On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Future for Ukraine Foundation joined the global initiative “16 Days Against Violence” and, as part of the GIDNA project, held a live broadcast together with the legal helpline "JurFem: Support". This broadcast marked the beginning of our collaboration to provide women who have suffered violence with more integrated assistance, ranging from psychological to legal support.
We believe that open conversation and finding ways to help are the first steps to overcoming violence. Live on air, Anna Hrubaia, curator of the GIDNA project, FFU Foundation, and Anna Gopsta, consultant of legal aid hotline ‘JurFem: Support’, discussed what constitutes sexual harassment, how to protect yourself psychologically and legally, practical advice on what to do if you have been harassed, and how family/friends can support the victim.
What can be considered sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment manifests itself in the form of touching your body without your consent, indecent comments, vulgar gestures, and can also occur in chat rooms and social networks. The most important feature of these actions is that they are unwanted.
Don't forget about online harassment: sometimes it can be sending you intimate photos by someone or demanding such a photo from you, or comments with sexual connotation.
“It is important to understand that this is not just some kind of obscene joke, something funny, but in fact a violation of personal boundaries,” comments Anna Gopsta, consultant of legal aid hotline ‘JurFem: Support’.
Penalty for sexual harassment in Ukraine
The first offense is liable to a fine of 1,360 to 2,720 UAH, community service of 20 to 40 hours, or correctional labor for up to one month with a deduction of 20% of earnings.
If a person commits sexual harassment again within a year, the penalty may include a fine of up to 4,760 UAH, community service for up to 60 hours, correctional labor for up to two months, or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
“I really want these issues to be reviewed and the fines to be fully commensurate with what is happening. Because the traumas that women suffer as a result of sexual harassment are huge,” says Anna Gopsta, consultant of legal aid hotline ‘JurFem: Support’.
Algorithm of actions for victims of sexual harassment
If the harassment occurred in a public place, try to capture it on video or take a photo. You can also try to record the contact details of people who witnessed what happened.
If it is sexual harassment on social media, it is important to save all screenshots.
Suppose you faced sexual harassment at work or in an educational institution. In that case, you need to familiarize yourself with the organization's policy on this matter, find out how to file a complaint and who to contact, and inform your employer or administration.
You can file a report with law enforcement agencies within three months. Attach evidence (videos, photos, screenshots, etc.) to the report.
“A woman may feel frustrated and confused. A protective mechanism automatically kicks in — ‘fight, flight, freeze’. I have never seen cases where a woman ran away or fought back in situations of sexual violence or harassment. Usually, it is freezing and dissociation. You have to give yourself time to come to terms with what happened to you and remember that there is support and help available," said Anna Hrubaia, curator of the GIDNA project, FFU Foundation.
“Don’t worry if there is no evidence to support your claims, because the most important thing is what the victim says! Finding evidence is the job of law enforcement,” adds Anna Gopsta, consultant of legal aid hotline ‘JurFem: Support’.
What to do if someone close to you has been sexually harassed
- Do not question the victim's words or blame them.
- Do not ask them to recount what happened in detail until they are ready.
- Do not insist that the person seek help from law enforcement — they must be personally ready to do so.
- Delicately share available resources where they can get help.
The main thing is to be there, ready to help, but at the same time not to insist on anything or put pressure on!
If you or your loved ones have suffered from violence, we are here to help you.
GIDNA is an anonymous and safe space that supports women who have experienced sexual violence during the war.
Contact: gidna.org, +38 (050) 722-89-13
‘JurFem: Support’ — a legal aid hotline for victims of sexual violence.
Contacts: jurfem.com.ua, +38 (068) 145 55 90, 0 800 30 55 90
