On March 20, 2026, Donetsk region held an information event on implementation of programs for perpetrators as an important component of work in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence. More than 90 people participated in the event, which indicated a high level of interest of representatives of territorial communities, specialized specialists, expert circles and the public sector in the development of this area of work.
The event was organized by the Department of Family, Youth and Mass Events of National and Patriotic Education of the Regional State Administration together with the NGO "Osonnya" and the NGO "Smarta".
The event program covered a number of topical issues related to the implementation of programs for perpetrators in Ukraine. In particular, the participants discussed the goal and objectives of the relevant project, activities for specialists, the expected results of its implementation, as well as the impact of such programs on increasing the safety of women and girls.
Particular attention was paid to the current legislation, the typical program for perpetrators, changes that have occurred over the past year, as well as the features of online work and interaction with military personnel and veterans.
The participants also considered the issues of responsibility of the bodies authorized to organize such programs, approaches to planning and allocating a budget for their implementation, as well as European standards in the field of work with perpetrators and the possibility of adapting Ukrainian practices to these standards.
During the joint discussion, special emphasis was placed on the problematic aspects of implementing programs for perpetrators in the Donetsk region. The subject of attention was the issues of interdepartmental interaction, staffing, organizational support of such programs at the level of territorial communities, as well as practical difficulties that arise when working with persons who are directed to complete the program. The participants also discussed possible ways to strengthen the capacity of communities in this area.
Holding such an event became an important platform for professional dialogue, exchange of experience and development of a common vision of further steps in developing the system of work with perpetrators in the region. Strengthening this direction is an important element of a comprehensive response to domestic violence and the formation of a safer environment for victims.
The event was held with the support of UK aid from the UK government. The initiative is implemented by the NGO "Osonnya" with the assistance of the NGO "Divchata" within the framework of the National PULSE Consortium and coordinated by the CF "Right to Protection".