Cabinet resolution #616 of May 30, 2024

Decision-maker: the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine

Status: in effect since May 30, 2024

Who is affected: the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Social Policy, local self-government bodies (LSGBs), the National Social Service, and victims of domestic violence and/or gender-based violence

Summary:

  • the resolution approves the procedure and conditions for providing subventions from the government budget to local budgets in 2024 for creating support services for victims of domestic and/or gender-based violence
  • the key administrator and responsible executor of the subvention is the Ministry of Social Policy
  • the subvention is directed towards:
    • completion of ongoing works on repairs and providing equipment for support centers for victims of domestic violence initiated in 2023
    • construction of civil protection structures and shelters in these buildings
    • purchase of vehicles for mobile social and psychological help teams
  • proposals on how to use the funds of the subvention are submitted by LSGBs to the Social Service in electronic form via a special system. If such a system is unavailable, proposals are submitted in paper form within 30 working days after the resolution comes into force
  • the Social Service compiles and submits a consolidated list of subvention proposals to a commission formed by the order of the Minister of Social Policy. The commission decides how to allocate funding for the chosen proposals within 10 working days
  • the commission works at its meetings. Proposals are adopted by a majority vote of the members present who have the right to vote. In case of a tie, the commission chair makes the final decision. The commission’s decisions are documented in a protocol signed by the chair, secretary, and all attendees. If additional information is required, the commission can request it from the applicant and issue an additional protocol about this request
  • the distribution of subventions among local budgets is approved by the Cabinet based on a submission by the Ministry of Social Policy
  • local subvention administrators monthly provide information on the use of the allocated funding to oblast or Kyiv city state (military) administrations by the 5th of each month
  • oblast and Kyiv city state (military) administrations collect the submitted local information and send it to the Ministry of Social Policy by the 10th of each month.

What is right: support services for victims of violence are a crucial part of the social protection system, as these persons require medical, psychological, and emotional support. Many of them are also unaware of their rights and are afraid to approach law enforcement agencies.

Why this is important: support centers create a safe space where people can receive help without fear of judgment. Besides providing direct assistance to victims, these centers can organize educational programs to prevent violence and increase public awareness of the issues surrounding domestic and/or gender-based violence.

Background information: on June 21, 2022, Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law ratifying the Istanbul Convention. This convention is aimed at protecting women from violence, preventing, prosecuting, and eliminating violence against women and domestic violence, including violence committed against men and children. It is the most comprehensive international agreement concerning these issues that is used as a cornerstone by many countries in Europe and beyond.

Additional information:

Ok, So What? podcast, ep.156: Neighbors will report domestic violence