On December 9, a mixed-format (online and in-person in Konotop) inter-sectoral round table discussion entitled “16 Days Against Violence: Security and Defense Sector — Effective Measures to Protect Against Various Forms of Violence” was held. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Association of Women in Law Enforcement (UAWLE) in cooperation with the charity organization “Light of Hope.” Live Media HUB was the media partner.
The event’s purpose was to bring together experts from various fields — lawyers, psychologists, medical professionals, representatives of law enforcement agencies, and the public — for open dialogue, sharing experiences, and developing practical mechanisms for dealing with violence cases in the security and defense sector.
During the discussion, which was attended by representatives of the FFU, including Anna Hrubaia, curator of the GIDNA project, participants focused on the current challenges faced by military personnel, both in the army and in civilian life, as well as on finding effective mechanisms for cooperation to prevent violence. Topics of discussion included overcoming gender-based violence in the military, social adaptation of military servicemembers after discharge from military service, international standards for protecting female military servicemembers from sexual violence, PTSD, and ambiguous loss.
Anna Hrubaia, psychologist and curator of the GIDNA projectCurrently, the number of requests for CRSV cases is constantly growing. We provide psychological assistance to women and, at the same time, remind them that people heal alongside other people. That is why public awareness is crucial so that we can forget words such as ‘victim blaming’ or ‘ostracism’. Don't ask the victim what happened; just be there and offer help. Remember that your words can hurt, but they can also heal
General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine representatives, local government bodies, the Association of Women Lawyers “JurFem,” and other experts joined the discussion.
Participants in the event emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and joint decisions that will strengthen the protection of service members in military units and create a safer social environment.
