FIGHTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: PROBLEMS OF THEORY AND PRACTICE IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The authors considered the types of domestic violence. The authors analyzed the changes in modern legislation regarding the strengthening of the responsibility of persons both for committing domestic violence and for its concealment by persons who became aware of it. Particular attention is paid to the types of domestic violence that children may experience. Special emphasis is placed on the ability of parents to recognize the fact that a child has become a victim of violence on the Internet. In order to quickly respond to appeals by victims of domestic violence, it is necessary to organize the training of highly qualified specialists with internships abroad, at the state level, to study the best international practices in the field of combating domestic violence, including on the basis of gender. They must be able to effectively implement the mechanism of assistance to victims approved by the legislation of Ukraine – from the organization of emergency medical and psychological assistance, as well as to be able to assess the risks of the needs of the victim, as well as to organize the application of preventive measures or restrictive measures to offenders, bringing them to criminal liability. Taking into account that the injured person or his representative can turn to the leadership of the local self-government or to the police or to the representatives of educational institutions, etc., it is very important that the employees of the listed institutions are competent and respond to the complaint of the injured person within 24 hours and contribute to the application of effective measures for his protection. It is necessary to spread information as widely and as loudly as possible about what exactly domestic violence is and that victims should not be afraid of their abusers, but should report crimes to the appropriate authorities. Public awareness is promoted by various events popularizing this topic. For the sustainable formation in society of an intolerant attitude towards any violent patterns of behavior, a caring attitude towards the victims, first of all children, awareness of violence as a violation of human rights, it is necessary that public organizations, other interested individuals and legal entities regularly organize thematic information events.