"Zaporuka launches initiative to support people affected by domestic violence

Project. "Breaking the silence" is designed to support Ukrainians affected by domestic violence. The Zaporuka Foundation will provide comprehensive assistance in the Lviv region, including psychological and legal support to victims of domestic violence. The project also provides essential items to women staying in shelters and crisis rooms seeking safety for themselves and their children. 

The initiative is being implemented with the technical support of UN Women in Ukraine and with funding from the UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). The WPHF is a flexible and rapid funding instrument that supports quality interventions aimed at increasing the capacity of local women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.

Domestic violence is one of the most pressing social problems in society. By. information According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, in 2023, about 300 thousand cases of domestic violence were registered in Ukraine, most of the victims were women. This is 20 % more than in 2022. In the Lviv region during this period fixed about 13 thousand appeals to law enforcement agencies from residents and visitors of Lviv and the region seeking protection and security.

Behind each number are broken lives, psychological trauma and children growing up in fear. The Zaporuka initiative aims to change this sad reality and lend a helping hand to the women affected.

"The focus of our foundation is to care for and support Ukrainian families in times of need. Our new project is no exception. We want to be there for women and children who do not feel safe in their own homes and are experiencing violence. And it's not just physical abuse, but also psychological pressure, economic coercion, and sexual abuse. All of this often causes invisible wounds that hurt the most. We want every woman who suffers to know that she is not alone, and silence is not an option. There are always people nearby to whom you can turn for help," says Natalia Onipko, President of Zaporuka.

It should be noted that this is not the first cooperation of the Foundation "Pledges" with UN Women in Ukraine and the UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). Last year, as part of the "We are capable of this" the foundation has supported more than 1500 women and children from war-affected regions of Ukraine