Eugenia Melesh, lawyer and advocate of the Charitable organization "Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattia' participates in the events of the All-Ukrainian action "16 days against violence", organized by the team of the Crisis Center and the Department of Social Protection of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration. In particular, within the framework of professional interviews in the series “Justifying Violence ... IS IT POSSIBLE?”, the expert gave comprehensive answers to the audience's questions about responsibility for physical, psychological, economic, and sexual violence. Victoria Symulyk, the social pedagogue of the Crisis Center team communicated with the lawyer.

“In my professional activity, when I consult people, I come across facts of domestic violence. Unfortunately, such cases are still considered a private matter in which it is not customary to interfere. In fact, many people need both legal advice and information on how such issues can be addressed. Moreover, there are cases that require an immediate response, because it is about human life and health. The domestic practice has developed legislation in this area, primarily the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention and Counteraction to Domestic Violence." Law enforcement agencies have the authority and capacity to prevent and impede domestic violence. And if necessary, this should be insisted on, but it is necessary to be attentive to the course of their work, to control the actions of relevant services and departments," – Eugenia Melesh said. She added that together with Ukrainian legislation, it is important to use the capabilities of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which Ukraine signed in 2011 but has not yet ratified.

"The stumbling block in this matter is the misunderstanding of the definitions of the document, the establishment of social stereotypes about women and their role in the family, the resistance of various interest groups, such as churchmen or individual political forces. The Istanbul Convention is a comprehensive document that describes the processes of monitoring the facts of violence, helps to formulate legislation in a balanced manner, and introduces mechanisms for both combating such crimes and supporting victims of violence. This is an urgent need for Ukraine," – the expert explains.

Eugenia Melesh also spoke about the mission of the Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattia, the implemented initiatives that ultimately not only improved the legal literacy of citizens but also gave a start for responsible self-organization of the population to address common issues and problems.

Based on our capabilities and resources, we help and advise people in need. For example, our work is useful for those who do not know their rights, do not have up-to-date information on how to get certain social services, specialized assistance. The focus of our activities is primarily on people with disabilities, their parents, and those who care for this category of citizens, internally displaced persons, migrants, and others. It is important to be in the right place and time, where and when your help will be timely and extremely necessary," – says Eugenia Melesh.

Follow the link to read the full content of the interview.