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EMERGING TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL NORMS
Perceptions of GBV in Ukrainian society have been transforming, giving way to norms that do not tolerate violence.
Conducted annually since March 2019, UNFPA-led national study Omnibus captures the positive shift. Ukrainians demonstrate increased awareness of GBV – 6% more people can identify psychological violence and 9% more people can spot economic violence compared to early 2019. People state better understanding (6% rise) that unwilling sex in marriage also constitutes sexual violence. Ukrainians show higher sensitivity to the issue of GBV, 9% more men and 8% more women acknowledge that men and women may equally become subject to violence.
Most common beliefs that condone GBV have been challenged. 5% more people consider the statement ‘If he beats you, it means he loves you’ obsolete (reaching 87%). Another 5% more Ukrainians think that a woman should not tolerate violence to save the family (80%). The perception informs behaviour change. 5% more people state their willingness to intervene in a GBV incident to stop it (67%).
Ukrainian society gradually grows more sensitive to GBV, disapproving its manifestations and offering support to survivors. There is an emerging recognition of GBV as a societal problem (rather than personal) that requires a consolidated response of the community. Changes in public perception and growing unacceptability of GBV also sends a powerful signal that Ukrainian society expects due response to GBV.
Such increasing awareness and understanding of the unacceptability of violence will help not only eradicate GBV but grow violence-free generation of Ukrainians.