OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine supports programme aiming to change behaviour of domestic violence perpetrators

KYIV, 15 December 2009 - The first Ukrainian programme that aims to help domestic violence perpetrators change their behaviour was presented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU) and Ukraine's Ministry for Family, Youth and Sports in Kyiv today.

The programme developed by an OSCE-supported inter-agency working group was presented at a conference that gathered more than 120 state and non-governmental social service providers. 

"Recently adopted legislative amendments require the development of national methodology to work with domestic violence perpetrators in Ukraine," said Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator. "The pioneer model programme presented today is the first step to help the perpetrators develop respectful, non-abusive relationship in their families to the benefit of the society in general. It may serve a blueprint for similar activities in other countries in the future."

Starting from 2010, the programme will provide guidelines to Ukrainian social workers and psychologists who try to help domestic violence perpetrators understand the reasons for and destructive outcomes of their behaviour, and identify ways to control and change it.

"Victims of violence are not the only people who need help," said Ella Lamakh, the Head of Family and Gender Department of the Ministry of Ukraine for Family, Youth and Sports. "The work with domestic violence perpetrators is an indispensible element of combatting this crime in Ukraine."

The model programme includes referral, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.