Heads of the Churches appealed to Ukrainians about the increase in domestic violence

"Unfortunately, the pandemic has also become a catalyst for this phenomenon. Due to rising unemployment, self — isolation and other reasons, the level of domestic violence in the country has increased, and the problem urgently needs to be solved," she wrote.

According to Venediktova, this year more than 2.7 thousand offenses were registered in Ukraine on charges of domestic violence, last year it was 1.5 thousand. In 2020, 1.7 thousand proceedings were filed with to the court with indictments on the backdrop of 758 last year.

Moreover, Ukraine should finally ratify the Istanbul Convention on the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.

Heads of Churches did not stay away from the problems of domestic violence.

The head of the UGCC, Patriarch Sviatoslav, made a call via Facebook: "Avoid any violence - both in words and actions – first of all in the family circle, in relations between men and women or parents and children!".

"Any violence is a blatant violation of human rights and Christian values. In particular, domestic violence should not take place in our lives, because the family is a home church," said Metropolitan Epifaniy, Primate of the OCU.

"Violence breaks up the whole family. It mercilessly affects children's mental health and destroys families. As, according to the Apostle Paul, Love is forbearing, but it is also merciful. Violence has no place next to love: if it hits, it kills love, not brings it. That is why today, on the International Day Against Violence Against Women, I appeal to every Ukrainian woman – do not be silent and do not tolerate violence against yourself and your children. If you have a difficult heart and fear lurks in your heart, come to our churches. There you can get advice and support," the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine added.