Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
Castro 
RSS Feed Chapter 154: The Warning Signs-Margarita Gracheva and Domestic Violence in Russia
Key Takeaways
- In December 2017, Margarita Gracheva became the victim of a horrific attack when her estranged husband, Dmitry Grachev, chopped off her hands with an axe after a history of escalating domestic abuse.
- Margarita had repeatedly warned local police about her husband's threats and violent behavior prior to the attack, exposing severe systemic failures in the Russian legal response to domestic violence.
- Despite severe injuries and institutional hurdles, Margarita Gracheva transformed her tragedy into activism, using her platform and television show to advocate for domestic violence survivors in Russia.
- The case brought intense international and domestic scrutiny to Russia's legal framework surrounding intimate partner abuse, particularly following legislative moves that decriminalized certain forms of domestic violence.
In December 2017, the case of Margarita Gracheva shocked Russia and drew international attention to the devastating consequences of domestic violence. After enduring abuse at the hands of her estranged husband, Dmitry Grachev, Margarita became the victim of a horrific attack that would change her life forever.
In this episode of The Book of the Dead Podcast, we investigate the case of Margarita Gracheva, examining the history of domestic abuse that preceded the attack, the police response to earlier warnings, the criminal investigation, and the legal proceedings that followed. We also explore the wider issue of domestic violence in Russia.
Margarita's story is more than a true crime case. It is a reminder of the importance of listening to survivors, recognizing warning signs, and taking domestic violence seriously before it escalates.
Content warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, and a severe act of physical violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or coercive control, support is available. You deserve safety, support, and the opportunity to make your own decisions.
RUSSIA
All-Russia Domestic Violence Hotline (ANNA Crisis Centre): +7 800 700 06 00 — https://woman-help.online/
Women's Consortium: Legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence — https://wcons.net/
Sisters Crisis Centre: Psychological support for survivors of sexual violence — https://sisters-help.ru/
SILSILA: Information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence — https://www.silsila.help/help
UNITED STATES
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org/
U.S. Department of Justice — Victim and Survivor Resources: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-victims-and-survivors
WomensHealth.gov — Domestic Violence Support: https://womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233 — available 24/7.
New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence: https://njcedv.org/programs/
If you are in immediate danger in the United States, call 911. In Russia, call 112 or the local emergency services number.
If you are concerned that someone may be monitoring your phone or internet activity, consider using a safer device when seeking help. Visiting a website or deleting browser history cannot guarantee that your activity will remain private.
BBC News. (2021, December 14). Russia told to pay compensation to woman whose hands were cut off.
EHRM, 14-12-2021, nr. 55974/16, nr. 53118/17, nr. 27484/18, nr. 28011/19 | InView. (n.d.). InView.
Law not on side of Russia’s domestic violence victims. (2020, October 28). Human Rights Watch.
Naylor, A. (2021, August 24). Russia’s Domestic Violence Epidemic. CEPA.
Russia: Domestic violence law puts women at greater risk. (2017, February 9). Amnesty International.
Walker, S. (2017a, November 28). Fury at Russian move to soften domestic violence law. The Guardian.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Margarita Gracheva?
In December 2017, Margarita Gracheva's estranged husband, Dmitry Grachev, abducted her and brutally chopped off her hands with an axe following a long history of domestic abuse and ignored police warnings.
How did the police respond to Margarita Gracheva's warnings before the attack?
Margarita reported her husband's threats and abuse to local law enforcement prior to the attack, but police largely failed to take adequate action to protect her.
What sentence did Dmitry Grachev receive?
In November 2018, Dmitry Grachev was sentenced to 14 years behind bars for the horrific attack on his wife.
How is Margarita Gracheva helping other domestic violence victims today?
Margarita has become a prominent advocate against domestic violence in Russia, using media platforms, including her own television show, to speak out and support other victims of abuse.
