Today, on the International Day of the launch of the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" campaign, a new wave of the national "Break the Circle" campaign has begun in Ukraine. This initiative highlights the importance of humanity, support, and empathy during difficult times when many people are suffering from domestic violence.
The campaign is being implemented with the support of the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine (UNFPA) and with financial backing from the government of Canada. Its main goal is to remind people that there is always a way out and that in the toughest moments, there are always those ready to help: "I am here for you."
This year's campaign emphasizes humanity and the importance of being there for one another. Among the informal forms of support is the willingness to unite and express feelings for those who are suffering.
The Communications Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs highlights how war and everyday challenges, including air raid alarms, make people within the country feel even more vulnerable. This is particularly relevant in the context of domestic violence, where suffering can come from close relationships.
In addition to this, as part of the international human rights campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence," an informational and educational campaign #ThisIsViolence has also been launched. This initiative covers 11 regions of Ukraine and includes a series of thematic videos aimed at helping Ukrainians recognize various forms of violence.
The leader of the network of public organizations "CAFI" in Ukraine, Iryna Trokhym, noted: "We choose words to describe the violence that happens to us or our loved ones. Unnamed evil remains invisible, and it is harder to fight it."
According to the public organization "La Strada-Ukraine," during the first half of 2025, 23,628 people contacted the National Hotline, most of whom were women. Statistics indicate that in 2025, 6,565 individuals suffered from some forms of domestic violence, including 5,334 women and 179 children.
Thus, the "Break the Circle" campaign and the #ThisIsViolence initiative represent important steps in the fight against gender-based violence in Ukraine.
