Russian Domestic Violence-Prevention Movement: Steps in the Right Direction

Hotline staffers in Kazan, Russia

Gabrielle Akimova is an attorney and domestic violence prevention advocate who has been closely involved in the development and promotion of the domestic violence prevention movement in Moscow and across Russia. Akimova recently worked with San Francisco-based BAIDO member FIND to facilitate a reunion meeting of domestic violence prevention agency leaders in Kazan, Russia (Tatarstan). Akimova offers an update of the progress made by the movement since its inception almost 10 years ago.

In the early 1990s, Russian women began to take steps to break the silence of domestic violence. The openness of Glasnost encouraged the start of Russia's domestic violence prevention movement, and women from different cities opened hotlines and crisis centers where women could turn for support.

Starting in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the movement spread to women in other regions through the hotlines. Women began sharing their experiences as they explored the gender discrimination and oppression of a society that allowed violence against women to be treated as the norm.

Today, crisis centers collaborate to raise society's awareness of domestic violence and break down barriers and stereotypes that prevent women from attaining support to end the violence.

The Moscow crisis center, Center ANNA, united centers across Russia through the national education campaign, "There's No Excuse for Domestic Violence." The coordinated, multicenter campaign conducted discussions, press conferences and seminars to educate communities about the serious nature of violence against women and the need for action. Centers hung posters in public places such as doctors' offices, and held vigils and public petitions to "vote for a world without violence."

Professional education is now an essential element in the prevention of domestic violence. Through FIND-sponsored delegations, domestic violence-prevention agency leaders take part in management internships in the United States. Center activists work with lawyers to explore ways to counsel women about problems of violence, document their injuries and assist women in the pursuit of legal action. Training sessions for police and medical professionals have been developed to serve women survivors' needs and initiate coordinated responses.

Since the movement's recent beginnings when the term "domestic violence" had to be created, Russian anti-violence activists have made enormous advances. In fewer than 10 years, anti-violence work evolved from a few modest hotline services to an active crisis center coalition providing a multitude of services and outreach initiatives.

Although significant challenges remain in the struggle to end violence against women, the leaders of this movement are optimistic that their work together with colleagues within Russia and internationally will help to establish a peaceful and safe place for all.

For more information, contact Jennifer Gaspar de Hamasaki Executive Director, phone 415-546-6633, or email to
jgaspar@find-usa.org.