What to do if you are experiencing domestic violence

If you are experiencing domestic violence, it may be difficult to simply leave. Survivors often depend on their abusers emotionally or financially, may not have alternative housing or savings, and often lack social support. However, it is possible to stop the abuse, separate from the abuser, and start a new life.

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First, think through two action plans: one for an emergency and one for when you have time and the opportunity to prepare more carefully.

If the situation is critical

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If there is a threat to your life or health or that of your loved ones, find a safe place and call 102. Do not hesitate to seek temporary shelter, for example, from neighbors. You can also contact the police discreetly via an official Telegram chatbot. If possible, make sure the police document the incident of domestic violence — this may serve as important evidence later.

 

If you have time and opportunity

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• Call the National 24/7 Hotline for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, and Gender Discrimination: 116 123 (mobile), 0 800 500 335 (mobile or landline), or NHL116123 on Telegram. There you can receive free, anonymous psychological and legal консультація, as well as recommendations for next steps.
   

• Mentally plan your actions in case of immediate danger: which room you can lock yourself in, how to leave the home quickly, what safe places are available, where you can call the police, and who you can contact for help right away.
   

• Prepare and hide an emergency bag at home. Include original documents and copies (passport, international passport, tax ID, birth certificates for you and your children, driver’s license, proof of ownership), cash, credit cards, jewelry or valuables (to exchange for money if needed), essential medication and hygiene items for at least 3 days, basic clothing, spare keys, and written contact numbers of trusted people and support organizations/hotlines. If possible, include a spare phone with a new SIM card.
   

• Inform trusted people. Tell them about your situation, arrange possible shelter with neighbors, and maintain constant contact with at least one trusted person. Explain that you may need urgent help at any moment and that they should respond quickly and call the police. Consider creating a code word or phrase to signal danger without alerting the abuser.
   

• Inform your children about possible danger. Explain how to act during конфликт situations: not to intervene, to stay as far away from the abuser as possible, and to leave the house on your signal. Tell them where to go and who to contact.
   

• Find out about safe places nearby where you can stay temporarily, such as friends’ or relatives’ homes. There are also specialized shelters for survivors of domestic violence — confidential locations where you can stay for several months, receive essentials, psychological support, and help with employment and housing. Access is usually arranged through police, social services, or mobile support teams.
   

• Take care of digital safety. Check your devices for tracking apps, turn off geolocation, change passwords, and create a new email. Do not do everything at once if you still live with the abuser, and they might notice. Avoid sharing your location or posting photos online for some time.

 

If you want to hold the abuser accountable and/or legally restrict contact

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Remember that domestic violence is punishable by law in Ukraine. This requires contacting law enforcement and proving the abuse. It is okay if you are not ready for this yet, but it is important to know you have this option.

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Domestic violence may be considered:

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• an administrative offense (Article 173-2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses), or

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• a crime (Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

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It is considered an administrative offense if it is not systematic (1–2 incidents) and does not cause physical injury. Penalties may include a fine, community service, or arrest for up to 15 days.

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It is considered a crime if it occurs at least three times and results in physical harm, psychological suffering, loss of working capacity, or reduced quality of life. Penalties may include community service, probation supervision (up to 5 years), restriction of liberty (up to 5 years), or imprisonment (up to 2 years).

 

Interaction with the police

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You can call the police (102) to the location of the violence. They must stabilize the situation, explain your rights, speak with the abuser, and accept your statement. They may also issue an emergency restraining order requiring the abuser to leave the residence, not return, and avoid contact for 10 days.

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If you have children, make sure they are also recognized as victims — this helps protect them from contact with the abuser.

You can also file a report at a police station and attach evidence if available:

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• photos of injuries

• witness statements

• medical or psychological reports

• records of обращения to hospitals or services

• other relevant materials

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You should receive a registration receipt for your report. The police must investigate, collect evidence, assess risks, and ensure your safety.

 

You may also apply to court for a longer-term restraining order (1–6 months), which can prohibit the abuser from:

• approaching your home, work, or other places

• using your property

• contacting or following you

• communicating with children

• contacting you directly or through others

 

This drive contains sample applications to the police and the court.

You are not alone in this. You can get help navigating your situation, understanding legal matters, and handling paperwork through the free legal aid system. Lawyers are available to consult you by phone, online, or in in-person offices marked on this map. More details are available on the official website: legalaid.gov.ua.