President's wife Olena Zelenska took part in the Forum “On the Way to Zero GBV in Ukraine” organized by the UNFPA in Ukraine.
“It is difficult for me as both the President's wife and just a person to stand aside from the problem of violence. This is something that is "uncomfortable" to talk about. Beatings, fears, shame are not made public. However, one person can never be the only victim of such situations. This is always a disaster for the whole family. So, together we must do everything we can to change this situation of helplessness,” Olena Zelenska said in her speech.
The President’s wife emphasized the importance of creating simple and clear mechanisms for the protection and assistance to the victims of domestic violence in Ukraine.
Olena Zelenska reminded that the national hotline started functioning in test mode, which can be accessed by anyone, who suffers from violence, to receive qualified information, psychological and legal support, and, if necessary, emergency response of the police. The hotline operates 24/7 throughout Ukraine at phone number 1547.
During her speech, the First Lady also touched upon the issue of opening shelters - temporary housing for the victims.
“The problem is not only the number of shelters, but also the lack of awareness among people about their existence. And this task must be solved locally. A person in a critical situation should not urgently seek help or asylum, a person must know exactly where to go,” the President's wife emphasized.
Olena Zelenska addressed the representatives of local authorities present at the event, emphasizing that the practical implementation of mechanisms of assistance and protection against domestic violence on the ground depended on them. The First Lady assured that they could always count on her assistance in this matter.