16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Lviv
December 10, 2024
Today, 10 December, marks the conclusion of the global campaign ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, aimed at raising public awareness and fostering zero tolerance towards this issue. The EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine actively supported the campaign nationwide, with its Field Office (FO) in Lviv organising a series of events in the city and the wider region to engage diverse audiences in promoting awareness and encouraging action.
Engaging the Youth
EUAM FO Lviv placed significant emphasis on engaging different age groups, starting with schoolchildren. At the Duliby Lyceum in Hrabovets village, EUAM experts, together with representatives of the National Police and Patrol Police, held interactive classes with pupils in grades 9 and 10. The sessions explored the types of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly domestic violence, its emotional impact on victims, and ways to support those affected while preventing future cases. These discussions encouraged pupils to consider how they could contribute to supporting victims and preventing violence in their communities.
“Despite years of global efforts to eradicate domestic violence, the ongoing relevance and strong societal resonance of the ’16 Days’ campaign, highlight that this issue remains a pressing concern,” said Arnold Plas, FO Lviv Advisor on Community Policing.
EUAM also conducted seminars for cadets and master’s students at the Lviv State University of Internal Affairs. These future police officers and lawyers examined the root causes of GBV and the essential role of law enforcement in encouraging victims and witnesses to speak out.
Similarly, students from the Law Faculty of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv participated in discussions led by Gediminas Buciunas, EUAM Senior Advisor on Prosecution. The sessions focused on the challenges of proving psychological violence in court and explored effective methods for gathering evidence to address such cases.
EUAM experts were impressed by the exceptional awareness and zero tolerance demonstrated by these future professionals to the GBV.
GBV and Martial Law
The campaign concluded with a roundtable discussion facilitated by EUAM FO Lviv, addressing the complexities of combating GBV during martial law and following the full-scale invasion. Participants included representatives from the Lviv Regional Military Administration, the National Police of Ukraine, and Patrol Police Community Policing experts.
Discussions highlighted a rise in GBV cases, often linked to the trauma experienced by returning soldiers, economic instability, and other challenges under martial law. Measures such as involving military chaplains in GBV, including domestic violence, calls and holding pre-deployment talks with soldiers were proposed as preventive steps.
‘Gender-based violence is a complex challenge, which requires a multi-agency approach, because police alone can’t resolve the problem. That’s why such round-tables are of huge importance – enhancing inter-agency cooperation and uniting efforts to combat GBV’ said Hannelore Valier, the Head of FO Lviv.
The ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign served as a reminder that combating gender-based violence requires ongoing dedication, open dialogue, and coordinated action. By fostering discussions, equipping future professionals, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation, EUAM Ukraine and its partners have taken meaningful steps towards addressing this critical issue.
