90% of Russians would support the introduction of a law on domestic violence - Russian Field

90% of respondents would support the introduction of a law in Russia that would punish domestic violence. This is stated in a study conducted by Russian Field commissioned by State Duma deputy Ksenia Goryacheva (“New People”).

Women (95% for, 5% against) and respondents aged 18-29 speak about support more often. Men are more likely to have a negative view of the adoption of the law (83% for, 11% against) and respondents aged 45-59 years (86% for, 9% against).

A high level of support remains regardless of the place of residence, level of education and financial situation of the respondents. The adoption of the law is also supported by supporters of all parliamentary parties.

🔵 Stalking . In addition, 84% are in favor of introducing administrative liability for stalking, and 51% of respondents are convinced of the complete necessity of such a measure. 10% of respondents are rather against introducing such liability.

🔵 Statistics . In Russia, a surge in domestic violence has now been recorded - the number of calls to the “Helpline for Women” jumped by 40% in 2025. As Caution News writes, similar dynamics only occurred during COVID-19, when the increase in domestic violence during self-isolation was called the “second epidemic.”

🔵 Context . In 2017, Putin signed a law decriminalizing domestic beatings. Now only the second incident of violence can be considered a criminal offense.

From 2019 to 2021, a draft law on the prevention of domestic violence was discussed in parliament, but it was never introduced. The head of the Federation Council, a few months before the start of the war in Ukraine, said that there should be a law, but the authorities are taking a “time out”: “two irreconcilable poles” have arisen around it - some consider the project too soft, others see it as “excessive interference in the family.” The Russian Orthodox Church was especially against the law. Since then, the government's position on this issue has not changed .

In 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers did not support the proposal to fine people for calls for domestic violence.