«Prevention of violence against women and domestic violence»: Zelensky signs the law

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law to strengthen the fight against violence against women and domestic violence.

This is evidenced by the status of the law on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.

MPs passed draft law No. 8329 back in May. It amends the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences, taking into account the provisions of the Istanbul Convention.

For example, the law introduces a separate rule on the definition of minors and underage victims if they were present during the commission of domestic or gender-based violence. Administrative liability is established for this.

Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 will be liable for committing domestic violence on a general basis. Administrative liability for sexual harassment is also introduced.

Sanctions for evasion of community service and failure to comply with an urgent restraining order are being strengthened. Now, the offender will not be able to escape liability on the grounds of insignificance.

It is also envisaged that sexual harassment, i.e. the intentional commission of offensive, humiliating acts of a sexual nature, expressed verbally or non-verbally (words, gestures, body movements), including through the use of electronic communications, against a person’s will, will be punishable by a fine, community service, or correctional labour (with a 20% deduction of earnings).

Administrative liability is also imposed for committing gender-based violence, which is the intentional commission of any acts (actions or omissions) of a physical, psychological, or economic nature directed against a particular person because of their gender or stereotypical ideas about the social roles (position, responsibilities, behaviour, etc.) of a woman or a man in society, resulting in harm to the physical (without causing bodily harm) or mental health of the victim.

Repeated offences within a year may result in administrative arrest.