The police in Yaroslavl have repeatedly, seven times in total, refused to open a domestic violence case, despite the victim's pleas. Currently, the woman is in the hospital with a severe fracture. Yaroslavl activist Andrei Broi reported this on his social media page on July 4.
Yaroslavl activist Andrei Broi, along with Communist Party members Natalia Bobryakova and Yana Istomina, reached out to the State Duma to highlight the lack of protection for Maria Bogdanova, a mother of two. According to Bogdanova, she has been subjected to regular abuse by the father of her children. They had lived together for seven years, but since their separation, the man has made seven attempts on her life, as Bogdanova claims.
Bogdanova says that she has filed complaints with the Frunzensky District Police Department of Yaroslavl on seven occasions, had her injuries documented by a medical examiner, and reported death threats against her. However, each time, the police turned her down. The latest attack resulted in Bogdanova being bedridden in the hospital for two months.
In a video message published by the Yaroslavl activist, Maria says, "My roommate hit me with a car. My youngest son was in the car with him at the moment of the accident. I suffered an open leg fracture. He got out of the car and continued to attack me. Thankfully, passers-by intervened and helped me. He could have killed me."
Not every region in Russia has organizations that provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. In Kaliningrad, there are support groups operated by the Feminitiv community. These groups offer support and guidance to women and queer individuals, helping them navigate the aftermath of domestic violence, escape abusive relationships, and find the support they need.
Starting June 1, the Nasiliu.net project initiated online assistance for victims of domestic violence in various regions. Previously, the organization provided face-to-face support in Moscow. Nasiliu.net offers legal and psychological assistance to those in need.
