Ukraine: Information on the protection available to women who are victims of spousal abuse, and on the availability of divorce for women
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | UKR16250.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ukraine: Information on the protection available to women who are victims of spousal abuse, and on the availability of divorce for women, 1 January 1994, UKR16250.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac4838.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A representative of the World Congress of Free Ukrainians stated that to her knowledge there are no centres for abused women in the Ukraine (24 Jan. 1994). The source indicated that women victims of spousal abuse might report the incident to the police, however the police generally disregard such cases in the belief that there are "more serious matters to be taken care of" (ibid.).
According to a professor political science at the Université du Québec à Montréal, because attitudes have not changed noticeably since the fall of the communist regime, policemen and lawyers are still perceived as enemies of the people and allies of the government (ibid.). The source indicated that these factors, in addition to the non-existence of notions of individual rights, explain the reluctance of women victims of spousal abuse to consult a lawyer or report incidents to the police (ibid.). According to the professor, women victims of spousal abuse will rely on their families rather than the police for support, unless the situation is extremely violent (ibid.). The source also indicated that police rarely intervene or provide protection to women in such cases (ibid.). The professor also indicated that to her knowledge there are no centres for abused women in the Ukraine (ibid.).
The same source indicated that divorce was not difficult to obtain per se, however because housing is so rare and expensive, in most cases divorce is not a feasible and practical solution (ibid.). A representative of Human Rights Watch in New York agreed for the same reasons that divorce was not a feasible or practical solution (21 Jan. 1994).
According to the BBC Summary, the Council of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a programme to improve the situation and protection of women and families (18 Aug. 1992). This source stated that the program was developed by the Ministry of Labour and "envisages implementing measures directed at removing negative factors and improving the situation of women in the spheres of production and domestic life, professional and further training" (ibid.).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 18 August 1992. "Ukraine Approves Programme for Improving Lives of Women." (NEXIS)
Human Rights Watch, New York. 21 January 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Professor of political science, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal. 24 January 1994. Telephone interview.
World Congress of Free Ukrainians, Toronto. 24 January 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Attachment
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 18 August 1992. "Ukraine Approves Programme for Improving Lives of Women." (NEXIS)
Other Sources Consulted
Diplomatic mission at the United Nations, New York. 24 January 1994.
Embassy of Ukraine, Ottawa. 24 January 1994.
Embassy of Ukraine, Washington, DC. 24 January 1994.
International Human Rights Law Group, New York. 24 January 1994.
Ukrainian Central Information Service, Toronto. 24 January 1994.
Ukrainian-United States Association, Washington, DC. 24 January 1994.
U.S. Committee on Refugees, Washington, DC. 24 January 1994.
