How to Obtain Emergency Protective Measures for Domestic Violence in Ukraine

Obtain emergency protective measures domestic violence situations require fast, informed action, and in Ukraine the law provides several routes to immediate safety for survivors and their children. This guide explains, in plain language, who to contact first, which interim measures are available, what evidence strengthens an application, how long each measure typically lasts, and how to convert an urgent order into long-term protection. It is written for victims, family members, advocates and advisers who need practical steps right now, with legal precision drawn from Ukrainian statute. If you are in immediate danger, call 102 for the National Police before reading further.

Who this guide is for: anyone in Ukraine who needs to act quickly to secure safety and legal protection from an abuser. This is procedural guidance, not a substitute for legal advice. In an emergency, call the police on 102.

“Act immediately, the first 24–48 hours are critical. Contact the police, preserve evidence, and seek NGO support while initiating emergency protective measures.”

What are emergency protective measures?

Emergency protective measures are urgent, short-term legal and administrative steps designed to stop ongoing harm and create immediate distance between a survivor and an abuser. In Ukraine, the police can issue an urgent restraining order (терміновий заборонний припис) directly, and a court can issue a longer restraining order (обмежувальний припис) through the civil procedure. The purpose is to provide protection before a full hearing on long-term relief can take place.

Typical emergency measures include obliging the abuser to leave the shared home, prohibition of contact or approach to the survivor, prohibitions on approaching a survivor’s workplace or a child’s school, and restrictions on communication with a child. When someone needs to obtain emergency protective measures domestic violence protection may combine more than one of these at once, depending on the level of risk.

Legal basis and definitions

The framework rests on several statutes. The Law of Ukraine “On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence” (zakon. rada. gov. ua) defines domestic violence, sets out the obligations of state bodies, and establishes the urgent restraining order issued by the police and the restraining order issued by a court. The Family Code of Ukraine provides the legal basis for child-related matters, including custody, contact and the protection of a child’s interests.

The Civil Procedural Code of Ukraine governs how an application for a restraining order is filed and decided in the courts, while the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences address offences connected to domestic violence, and the Criminal Procedure Code governs the pre-trial restrictions that investigators and courts can impose.

Who to contact first, police, social services, or the court?

Deciding where to turn first depends entirely on the level of immediate danger. The sequence below reflects a risk-based triage that prioritises physical safety before legal process.

• If you are in immediate danger. Call the National Police on 102 and request an emergency response and a domestic-violence report. Ask the officers to record what happened and to issue, where the situation warrants it, an urgent restraining order against the abuser.
• If you have been injured or hospitalised. Ensure a medical or forensic certificate is issued. This document is critical evidence when you later need to obtain emergency protective measures domestic violence applications rely on.
• If you need shelter or safety planning. Contact social services or a specialised NGO. These bodies can arrange accommodation, counselling and referral into the legal system. The national government hotline for survivors of domestic violence is 1547.
• If the police do not act, or you need a court restraining order. Apply directly to the court for a restraining order under the procedure in the Civil Procedural Code.

When to call the police and what to ask for

When you call 102, state clearly that you are reporting domestic violence and that you fear for your safety. Ask the attending officers for three things: a copy of the police report or protocol, a case or reference number, and a referral to local social services. If children are present or at risk, say so immediately. The police may issue an urgent restraining order for up to 10 days where there is a risk to life or health. If the abuser possesses or has threatened you with a weapon, repeat that fact to the dispatcher and to the officers on arrival, because it raises the urgency of the police response.

When to apply to the court first

You may go straight to the court for a restraining order when you need a legally binding, longer-term order, for example, an order obliging the abuser to leave the home or prohibiting contact. Courts consider applications for a restraining order under the procedure set out in the Civil Procedural Code of Ukraine. A lawyer or NGO legal adviser can help you frame the application so that the risk and grounds are clearly set out.

Step-by-step: how to obtain emergency protective measures

The workflow below runs from the moment of crisis through to enforcement. Following it in order helps protect both your safety and the evidential value of your case.

1. Secure immediate safety. Call 102, move to a safe location if you can do so safely, and contact a trusted person or an NGO. Do not return to a dangerous environment to collect belongings or evidence if that places you at risk.
2. Preserve evidence. Photograph injuries and property damage, keep medical records, save dated messages and call logs, take screenshots that capture timestamps, and note the names and contact details of any witnesses. Preserve the original files wherever possible, as metadata can corroborate dates and times.
3. File a police report. Give a clear, chronological account. Ask the officers what they have recorded, request a copy of the protocol, and keep the case number safe. The police report becomes a cornerstone of any later court application.
4. Request an urgent restraining order from the police, or apply to the court. The police may issue an urgent restraining order on their own initiative or on your application. For a court restraining order, complete the application under the Civil Procedural Code. The survivor, a representative, or in the case of a child a parent, guardian or a body such as the children’s services may apply.
5. Request specific measures. Ask for the measures that match your risk, an obligation on the abuser to leave the dwelling, a prohibition on contact or approach, restrictions on communication with a child, or a combination of these.
6. Secure enforcement. Once an order is granted, obtain a sealed copy. The police are responsible for enforcing restraining orders; provide them with the order and report any breach immediately.

Sample language for a police statement and court application

When giving a statement or drafting an application, use direct, factual language. Helpful phrasing includes:

• “On [date] at approximately [time], at [address], [name] did the following…”, state each incident separately and in sequence.
• “I fear for my safety and the safety of my children because…”, explain the specific risk, including any threats, weapons or escalation.
• “I request a restraining order obliging [name] to leave the residence at [address] and prohibiting any contact with me and my children.”, specify precisely the relief you seek.
• “I attach the following evidence in support: [list].”, cross-reference each document.

Evidence checklist

Collect and preserve, as quickly as you safely can: medical and forensic certificates; the police report and case number; photographs of injuries and damage; dated text messages, emails and social media messages; call logs; witness statements with contact details; and any prior complaints or restraining orders. Keep originals and copies, and store them somewhere the abuser cannot access.

Realistic timelines matter. Police response to an emergency call is immediate, and an urgent police restraining order can be issued the same day. A court considering an application for a restraining order is required to decide promptly, and practice may vary by court docket and local conditions.

Types of measures and what each does

Different measures serve different protective purposes, and several can operate together. The table below compares the main categories, the authority that issues them, their typical effect and duration, and how they are enforced. Durations are typical rather than fixed and may vary by case and by extension.

Choosing the right combination is where legal advice adds value. A survivor who needs to obtain emergency protective measures domestic violence protection may begin with an urgent police restraining order for immediate effect, then obtain a court restraining order, and finally address long-term matters such as custody at a full hearing.

Evidence that strengthens an application

The strength of an application often turns on the quality and completeness of the evidence. Because these matters can move quickly, organising your evidence in advance makes a measurable difference.

Medical records and forensic exams

If you have been injured, seek medical attention and request a certificate documenting the injuries, their nature and likely cause. A forensic examination carries particular evidential weight. These records establish both the fact and the severity of harm and are frequently decisive in persuading a court to grant relief.

Witness statements and photographs

Statements from neighbours, relatives or colleagues who saw or heard incidents provide independent corroboration. Collect their full names and contact details. Photographs of injuries, damaged property or a disturbed home should, where possible, carry a visible date or be stored in a way that preserves the file’s original timestamp.

Digital evidence

Threatening or abusive messages, emails, voicemails and social media posts are powerful evidence. Capture them with screenshots that show the date, time and sender, and preserve the original files so that metadata remains intact. Forward copies to a safe account or device the abuser cannot access. Avoid altering or editing the originals, as this can undermine their reliability.

Prior reports and foreign orders

Earlier police complaints, previous restraining orders, or protective orders issued in another country all help establish a pattern of behaviour. Gather these documents and bring certified copies or translations where available.

Timelines and what to expect at each stage

Set realistic expectations. The police response to an emergency call is immediate, and an urgent police restraining order can be issued the same day where the danger is clear, for a period of up to 10 days. Court scheduling is more variable, although the court is required to consider a restraining order application promptly. Conditions such as martial law or the displacement of courts can affect timing in some regions, so build in follow-up. At every stage, ask for and record your case number, request a copy of any order issued, and confirm how to request enforcement if the order is breached.

Converting emergency measures into long-term protection

An urgent police restraining order is deliberately short-term. To secure lasting safety, you will usually need a court restraining order, issued after the court examines the evidence and the circumstances. The court sets the duration of the restraining order and it can be extended where the risk persists.

At the hearing, the court will consider documentary evidence, witness testimony and, where relevant, expert evidence such as medical or psychological assessments. Legal representation strengthens your position considerably. Survivors who cannot afford private counsel may be eligible for state-funded free legal aid or support from NGO lawyers.

How to prepare for the hearing

Assemble a complete, organised file: all medical and forensic records, every police report, the full set of messages and photographs, witness statements, and any prior or foreign orders. Confirm which witnesses will attend and brief them on the process. If a child’s welfare is in issue, be ready to address custody and contact arrangements. Arrange legal representation early so that your advocate can prepare submissions and anticipate the abuser’s response.

High-risk situations, weapons, stalking and cross-border issues

Certain circumstances demand an intensified response. If the abuser possesses or has threatened you with a weapon, notify the police immediately and ensure this is recorded; the matter may be escalated to prosecutors and the court under the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Criminal Procedure Code. Persistent stalking or surveillance should likewise be reported and documented in detail, as it supports both restraining orders and possible criminal or administrative action.

Foreign nationals on Ukrainian territory are entitled to protection, and coordination with the relevant embassy or consulate can assist with documentation, interpretation and welfare. In cross-border cases, preserve evidence carefully, as it may be needed for enforcement of orders or for proceedings in another jurisdiction. A lawyer experienced in family and international matters can advise on recognition and enforcement across borders.

NGOs, shelters, social services and legal aid

Survivors rarely have to act alone. A network of state and non-governmental organisations exists to provide shelter, counselling, legal advice and practical support. The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine coordinates social services, shelters and victim-support referral pathways, and the national hotline 1547 provides guidance. International bodies such as UN Women work with local partners to deliver survivor-centred assistance. Specialised NGOs often provide the fastest route to emergency accommodation and to lawyers who understand how to obtain emergency protective measures domestic violence survivors urgently need.

When you approach any of these organisations, explain clearly whether you need immediate shelter, legal representation, counselling, or all three, and whether children are involved. Many offer confidential intake and can liaise with the police and courts on your behalf.

Quick referral templates

When asking the police or a court to connect you with support, a simple written request helps: “I request a referral to local social services and a domestic-violence shelter for myself and my [number] children, and assistance accessing free legal aid.” Keep a copy of any referral you receive.

Safety, confidentiality and secure communication

Protecting your digital and physical safety is as important as the legal process itself. Where possible, communicate about your situation using a device the abuser cannot access, such as a trusted friend’s phone or a shelter’s computer. Preserve evidence before clearing any traces, and only clear electronic traces once you have moved to a safe device and saved what you need. Agree a safe word or plan with someone you trust, keep copies of key documents in a secure place, and share information about your whereabouts only with people you trust.

Confidentiality with your lawyer is protected by law, so be candid with counsel. Displaced persons and those in shelters should ask staff about additional privacy protections, including how their location is kept confidential from the abuser.

Costs, legal representation and legal aid options

Legal costs vary with the complexity of the case and whether it proceeds to a contested hearing. In Ukraine, applications for a restraining order in domestic-violence cases are, as a matter of principle, exempt from court fees. Survivors who cannot afford private representation may qualify for state-funded free legal aid through the system of free legal aid centres, and many NGOs provide free or reduced-cost legal support. The Ukrainian National Bar Association (unba.org.ua) can help you find a licensed advocate. Your lawyer or an NGO adviser can explain eligibility for assistance.

Practical sample timelines and templates

To act quickly, keep a ready-to-use kit: an evidence checklist, an emergency contact list including the police number 102 and the domestic-violence hotline 1547, and a short set of bullet points for your court application. A printable checklist lets you record each step as you complete it, call made, report filed, case number obtained, evidence preserved, application lodged, order received, enforcement requested. Templates should be reviewed by a qualified Ukrainian family lawyer before use so that they reflect current law and practice. Having these materials prepared in advance reduces the pressure of acting under stress and helps ensure nothing essential is missed.

Conclusion

When you need to obtain emergency protective measures domestic violence protection in Ukraine, safety comes first and speed matters. Call the police on 102 if you are in immediate danger, call 1547 for guidance and support, preserve every piece of evidence you can safely gather, and move quickly to secure both an urgent police restraining order and a court restraining order. Combine legal action with support from social services, NGOs and free legal aid so you are not navigating the system alone. Converting urgent relief into long-term protection takes preparation, but it delivers lasting safety for you and your children.

This guide is informational and not a substitute for legal advice, in an emergency, contact the police or a qualified Ukrainian family lawyer without delay. You can find Family law in Ukraine, practice area page and Find a family lawyer in Ukraine for further assistance.

Sources

1. Family Code of Ukraine
2. Law of Ukraine “On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence”
3. Civil Procedural Code of Ukraine
4. Criminal Code of Ukraine
5. Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine
6. Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences
7. Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine
8. UN Women, Europe and Central Asia (Ukraine)
9. Ukrainian National Bar Association