Domestic violence: historical review and contemporary challenges

The article examines in detail the historical evolution of the problem of domestic violence in Ukraine, starting from the times of Kyivan Rus and up to the present day. The authors analyze how patriarchal norms and social traditions of different eras shaped the attitude to violence in the family, reflecting this in the legal systems of different historical periods: from the norms of «Ruska Pravda», through the legislation of the Hetmanship and the Russian Empire, to Soviet legislation. The work emphasizes that in a patriarchal society, physical violence against women and children was considered an acceptable form of discipline for a long time, and the intervention of state authorities in family conflicts was minimal. Particular attention is paid to the period of the Soviet era, when the problem of domestic violence was officially silenced, and conflicts in the family were considered a private matter. The scientific work also analyzes the social consequences after the independence of Ukraine in 1991, when economic difficulties and changes in society led to the aggravation of the problem of domestic violence. Particular attention is paid to the modern legislation of Ukraine in the field of domestic violence prevention, in particular the adoption of the Law of Ukraine «On Prevention and Combating Domestic Violence» in 2018, which expanded the legal mechanisms for the protection of victims, as well as the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2022, which became an important step in the fight with violence. The authors analyze not only legal instruments, but also the role of civil society and international organizations in drawing attention to the problem and protecting victims. The article also highlights the main challenges facing Ukrainian society in overcoming domestic violence: social stereotypes, insufficient state resources to support victims, and a low level of legal culture. The authors conclude that the fight against domestic violence requires not only the improvement of legislation, but also deep socio-cultural changes in society.