Stereotypes about violence: 45% of Ukrainians believe that he man must remain silent if he was raped

Ukrainians reckon the non-violent solutions to the conflict to be more acceptable.

As reported by the correspondent of the Human Rights Information Centre, this is stated in the survey of the Ukrainian Association of Specialists in Overcoming the Consequences of Traumatic Events.

“The military men and civilians consider the non-violent solutions to the conflict to be more acceptable. But it is alarming that these peace strategies are the strategies of avoidance. Which means the lack of dialogue and points in understanding”, – said Olha Kukharuk, psychologist, volunteer of the psychological crisis service of the NGO Ukrainian Association of Specialists in Overcoming the Consequences of Traumatic Events.

According to the survey 67% of civilians and 59% of military men reckon that it is best for the civilian not to argue in the conflicts. 30% of civilians and 34% of military men say that they should show respect. 34% of military men and 30% of civilians will turn to the police.

It is best for military man to reach a peaceful resolution in a conflict situation (the answer of 70% of civilians and 69% of military men), remain silent / move away (28% of civilians and 39% of military men), contact less with unknown civilians (33% of civilians and 31% of military men).

85% of respondents disapprove violence in any form, but at the same time, 32% recognize the psychological abuse due to neglect, abuse and pressure. A quarter (23% of civilians and 29% of military men) stated that they had experience, when intimidation, threats, physical strength helped to solve the problem.

In addition, the survey revealed the stigmatization of former combatants. 71% of the civilian population claims that they have received post-traumatic stress disorder and cannot deal with this problem themselves. 53% of military share the same thoughts.

Experts note that stereotypes about gender-based violence are poorly understood. This topic is hushed and conversations are condemned.

The study found that 29% of military men and 27% of male civilians agreed that if in the family the man wants sex then the woman must obey, since it is her duty.

“It is interesting that civilians who agreed were mostly from the center or the west of Ukraine, but 90% of people from the ATO zone disagreed with this statement. At the same time among the military in the east there is high percentage of agreement with this statement – 34%, therefore it could potentially conflictogenic situation”, – said Kateryna Borozdina, member of the working group, director of the department for assessment, monitoring and legislative activity department of the NGO La Strada-Ukraine.

15% of military men and 10% of civilians believe in the guilt of raped women. 14% believe that a woman should not complain about the violence.

Moreover, 28% of respondents said if a man was beaten it is his fault that he could not defend himself. And 45% agreed with non-disclosure of sexual violence against men. The authors of the study noted that these figures may be undervalued due to the “social desirability bias” – when people are inclined to respond not quite sincerely, but to answer the questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by the social environment.

In the case of personal danger and threat to the family 72% of civilians and 60% of military men will go to the police. Also, Ukrainians do exclude the help of their friends (51% of military men and 45% of civilians) in case of a danger, as well as can protect their family by themselves (35% of military men and 19% of civilians).

Socio-psychological survey was conducted in November 2016. 1270 respondents were interviewed (646 military men (574 men and 70 women) and 624 civilians (278 men and 346 women)). The citizens of Ukraine from the age of 18 in 8 regions of the country were interviewed.

As a reminder, on January 21, in Mykolaiv 19 year-old managed to escape from the violence of her ex-boyfriend by descending on the rope, made out of bed sheets, out of the window on the third floor of the building. Man held her in the apartment for three days.

On November 17, The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted in first reading the draft law “On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence” with the removal of the words “gender” and “sexual orientation” from the wording.

As reported, the Canadian NGO Stabilization Support Services has prepared a brochure that explains what is violence and where to go for help.