PKU Fights Gender Violence

Project Kesher Ukraine has partnered with JurFem, a Ukrainian association of women lawyers, and Tamara Bugayet, a high profile lawyer well-known for her work defending victims of domestic violence, to raise awareness and support for the fight against sexual assault. Tamara Bugayet recently took on a highly publicized case regarding sexual abuse of a minor by her teacher at a graduation party in June. Project Kesher Ukraine has actively supported the minor in this case, providing resources for her protection and psychological support, and combatting misinformation about the case on social media.

At a recent conference co-sponsored by PKU, JurFem and Bugayet's legal office, they discussed a wide range of topics including protection for victims, effective implementation of penalties, and collaboration between police, lawyers, and judges, that can improve outcomes of domestic violence cases.

This kind of event speaks volumes about the changes in Ukraine regarding domestic violence prevention, demonstrating an increased interest in the rights and perspectives of victims and national responsibility for this issue. Despite restrictions caused by the pandemic, local authorities have found ways to reopen crisis centers and this initiative has sparked discussions and action on local and national levels, to improve support and resources for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.