Have you heard a threat to you, your life, the life of your child or family , or vice versa, have you received a threatening call or message and don’t know what to do, how to punish, and what article threatens the offender?
If you have ever heard the words: “I’ll kill you”, “I’ll find you and deal with you”, “You won’t live to see the morning”… They can definitely scare you a lot and throw you off balance. Many people in such a situation don’t know what to do: they close in on themselves, hide, lock themselves in their homes for a week, don’t go anywhere or even contact the police without any evidence “just to avoid waiting”.
In this article, we will break it down for you: when a verbal threat is a crime, how to properly collect evidence, where to go, and how to hold the perpetrator accountable. The information in this article is practical and applicable, tested by lawyers, and based on their practical experience.
Please note: The article is for informational purposes only. Each situation is individual. If you feel that there is a real danger to yourself or your loved ones, immediately contact the police by calling 102.
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Why verbal and telephone threats are a serious problem
Unfortunately, today, in times of war, when society must unite together to defeat a common enemy, verbal threats from fellow citizens are not uncommon. People receive them from exes, partners, neighbors, colleagues, strangers on the Internet or by phone. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs , every year thousands of Ukrainians turn to the police precisely because of threats of murder or bodily harm.
Such a threat is not just “words”, but real intimidation with an unknown ending. It can cause severe stress in itself, which causes the victim to develop anxiety disorders, insomnia and even depression. A person begins to be afraid to leave the house, check the door, and does not sleep at night. It becomes especially unsettling for the soul when threats are made over the phone or in messengers, that is, even sitting in their own homes under lock and key, a person does not feel safe – the attacker can remain anonymous and continue psychological pressure anywhere, even if the victim is abroad.
But there is good news: verbal threats can be a criminal offense . The main thing is to act correctly from the very first minutes.
What is a verbal threat from the point of view of the law (Article 129 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)
According to Article 129 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine , a threat to kill, cause harm to health, or destroy property is considered a crime if there were real grounds to believe that such a threat would be carried out . These include previous actions or actions that follow the threat (for example, pointing a “sight” at you, or waving a weapon with your hands or feet).
Important points:
- The threat must be specific (not just “I hate you,” but “I will kill you” or “I will come and kill you”).
- There must be real reasons to fear its implementation (previous conflicts, aggression, presence of weapons, etc.).
- It doesn’t matter whether the threat was made in person, over the phone, in messenger, or on social media.
- The identity of the perpetrator may also be taken into consideration (whether such a person has skills in weapon handling, martial arts, criminal record, and other facts).
Threats over the phone and in messengers: is this considered a crime?
Yes, it is considered so. Modern legislation equates threats in messengers (Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook) to threats made in person. The main thing is that it is possible to identify the person who made the threat.
If the threat came from an unknown number, this can also be classified as a crime, but proving it will be more difficult – evidence is needed or the investigation will seek the identity of the perpetrator.
How to distinguish a real threat from “just words”
Lawyers and psychologists identify the following signs of a real threat:
- Specificity (named time, place, manner)
- Repetition of threats
- Presence of previous conflicts or violence
- The threat is accompanied by a show of force or weapons.
- The attacker knows your personal data (address, license plate number, place of work)
If the threat sounds like “I’ll kill you if you don’t…”, this is a serious signal and evidence. Be sure to record it on video, photo or in some other way and file a police report.
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What to do immediately after receiving a threat (step-by-step algorithm)
- Stay calm — this is the most important thing in the first few minutes.
- Don’t respond with aggression — don’t write or call back.
- Keep all evidence (screenshots, audio, phone numbers).
- Block the number (but don’t delete the message).
- Contact the police (102 or the nearest police station).
How to properly collect evidence
The most important thing for a successful case is high-quality evidence that clearly identifies the criminal:
- Screenshots of messages with date and time and a profile photo of the perpetrator, his personalizing features
- An audio or video recording of the conversation is also desirable with a face and a warning that the person being recorded is being filmed.
- Detailing calls from the operator
- Testimony from neighbors, colleagues, relatives
- Correspondence in messengers (do not delete the chat)
Where to contact: police, cyber police, prosecutor’s office
- 102 – if the threat is being sounded now and there is a real danger.
- Cyber police – if threats come via the Internet or phone and it is not possible to identify the perpetrator.
- The nearest police station is for filing a written statement with collected physical materials.
- The prosecutor’s office – if the police do not react or in every way evade their duty.
It is best to contact the cyber police immediately if threats come online or over the phone from anonymous numbers.
How to write a police report (sample)
Sample statement:
To the Chief of [name of department] police
from [full name, address, phone]
Statement
I request that criminal proceedings be filed regarding the death threat made on [date, time, manner] by [full name or phone number].
[Briefly describe the situation].
Evidence: screenshots / audio recording / witnesses are attached.
I ask that the perpetrator be held accountable under Article 129 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Signature and date
What is the responsibility for verbal threats?
Verbal threats are subject to criminal liability under Article 129 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine , the punishment may be:
- Fine from 850 to 2550 UAH
- Correctional work up to 2 years
- Restriction of liberty for up to 2 years
- In case of real danger – up to 5 years of imprisonment
Psychological assistance in case of threats
Threats have a strong impact on the psyche. In this case, it is recommended to: Contact a psychologist or psychotherapist, use grounding techniques, meditation, and switching the focus of attention + Do not be alone with anxiety.
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Common mistakes made by people who have received threats
- Ignoring threats (“it will go away on its own”);
- Responding with aggression and inciting hostility through mutual threats;
- Deleting messages and calls;
- Delay in contacting the police;
Conclusion + checklist “What to do if you are threatened”
Verbal threats are not a joke or “just words.” They are a crime that the state must respond to. The sooner you start acting correctly, the better your chances of holding the perpetrator accountable and protecting yourself.
Checklist “What to do if you are threatened”:
- Save all evidence (screenshots, audio, numbers)
- Don’t respond with aggression.
- Call 102 if there is real danger
- File a written complaint with the police or cyber police
- Consult a psychologist if you feel strong fear.
- Tell your loved ones about the situation.
- Do not delete correspondence and records
