Implementation of state policy in the field of prevention and response to domestic violence

Abstract

Introduction. The provisions of national law indicate that state policy in the field of prevention and counteraction to domestic violence is one of the priorities of the state legal policy of Ukraine. The purpose of the paper is as follows: to review on the basis on legislation provisions the implementation of state policies in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence, by improving the forms of protection and assistance for victims of domestic violence. Results. In Ukraine domestic violence is not a purely family affair, since the state has established an effective mechanism for combating and preventing domestic violence; is defined a list of actors authorized to take appropriate measures. Subjects of administrative and legal response to domestic violence are the empowered state authorities, executive and local self-government bodies and their structural subdivisions, citizens' associations, enterprises, institutions and organizations, as well as individuals - citizens of Ukraine, foreigners, and stateless. It can be stated that currently in Ukraine there is a rather broad system of providing protection and assistance to domestic violence victims, which is aimed at securing the rights and legitimate victims’ interests of such violence, providing them with effective assistance and protection, preventing recurrence of domestic violence in the future. Domestic violence is counteracted and prevented through a wide range of state-provided means. Criminal, administrative and civil law responsibility may be imposed for the commission of domestic violence, furthermore the legislation provides for basic and specific measures to counter domestic violence. Conclusions. To overcome the problem of domestic violence, it is necessary to introduce an effective system of avoidence and prevention of this type of violence, this system should be based on the following elements: 1) prevention; 2) providing protection and assistance to victims; 3) bringing the perpetrators to justice. However, in our opinion, the solution to the preventing and combating domestic violence problem is possible only by joining forces of public and state structures, mass media, educational and medical institutions, national communities, etc.