In the process of preparation of the VIII National report of Ukraine to the UN Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women a number of information gaps was revealed. Absence of up-to-date thorough analysis of availability of social services (including shelters) to women survivors of violence is among them, as well as data about organizational and resource capacity of such institutions, their work and its results.

In order to explore these issues this research has been conducted. The following methods were used:

  • Internet-questioning of directors and social workers of centres / shelters on functioning of 32 institutions.
  • Collection of depersonalized data about 135 women who stayed in centres during 2013‑2014 as a result of being subject to violence.
  • Personal flexible interviews with 6 women-survivors of violence who were clients of the centres during 2013‑2014.