Спілка жінок Херсонщини

Remodeling of the first in the South of Ukraine Crisis for family abused women, which was opened in Kherson, has almost been finished. At the moment – furnishing of rooms and settlement of Kherson women, which need it, are being held. This and further steps of coalition “Kherson: Free Territory from Violation”, which was entered by NGO “Kherson Women Union”, are revealed in the interview with the project’s Head “Combatting Gender-Specific Violation through Creation of Crisis Center for Family Abused Women” Chairwoman of the Board of NGO “League of Socially Responsible Women” Natalia Kravets.

Mrs. Natalia, you and the members of coalition have discussed gender issues at Oblast State Administration today. Have you discussed Crisis Center for Family Abused Women? Are there any improvements on Oblast Administration’s side concerning it?

Natalia: Today we have discussed list of events of oblast program that involves family issues, gender equality and Anti-Human-Trafficking, where we have submitted own proposals. Among other things, carrying of feminine marche, commemorated to the International Women’s Day. We spoke about Crisis Center as well. We have raised this question not once, and we addressed the Head of Oblast State Administration Iurii Gusev and Deputy Head OSA Svitlana Chepiga. She has promised to support us. Let’s hope that there is understanding and we will be heard.

What kind of support are you waiting from Oblast Administration?

Natalia: We would like for Kherson Crisis Center for Family Abused Women to be supported from Oblast budget. As, taking into consideration even

the way in which shelter existed last year, 50% of the charges were women from Oblast regions: Holoprystanskyi, Bilozerskyi, Oleshkivskyi Regions, etc. As when people learn that there is such kind of place, where they can receive help, they turn to it. And these, please note, are women that are potentially afraid for their lives and their children. They rescue themselves in this shelter. It is really essential. People in every oblast region should know that they can receive help here.

Does Kherson Municipal Council support the Crisis Center for Family Abused Persons?

Natalia: We have almost finished remodeling of the premises of the Crisis Center and started furnishing the rooms. The biggest part of the necessary funds for that were provided by the givers – United Nations Population Fund, Hungarian Ecumenical Service, Governments of Hungary, Canada and the United Kingdom. Kherson Municipal Council has given 1 million uah. from the city budget. We are very thankful that the understanding was reached and that the deputies have supported us. For the next session of the Municipal Council we are preparing proposition as for creation of the subdivision at Kherson Municipal Center for Family, Children and the Youth (there is such kind of practice in other towns) for the Crisis Center to be transferred to them. We should pass on the whole created resource to the city authorities and then it will become possible for the Municipal Council to finance it.

When is the grand opening going to be held?

Natalia: We are planning the grand opening for April 2020 and we are going to invite all our foreign investors to thank them for their support and motivation. Though women’s settlement to the Crisis Center will take place earlier – in March, when all works are over.

How many women the Crisis Center can settle simultaneously?

Natalia: The rooms are designed for 10 women. Though last year experience showed that it wasn’t enough. There were periods when we had 15-16 women at the same time. In total we sheltered 40 people within last year. The situation in the region is as follows – the “anticipation list” grows constantly. That is why we have set an ambitious goal for ourselves – to increase the number of charges up to 30 at one and the same time.

Family abuse is one of the sharp problems…

Natalia: 147 women, who needed psychological or social help, turned to us last year. More than 4,500 women addressed Kherson Oblast police for help last year. Sometimes, there are around 70 calls from the victims within 24 hours. These numbers really shock. That is why the Crisis Center should exist and embrace everyone who needs it with its help.

For reference. Kherson Women Union joined the coalition of the civil organizations “Kherson: Free Territory from Violation” in 2017. Then there were civil actions, flash-mobs and grand-scale campaign “16 Days of Activity Against Gender-Specific Violation”. Kherson activists became the lobbyists for opening the Crisis Center for Family Abused People, adherence to gender issues and human rights.

Photos from Natalia Kravets’s personal archive