READINESS OF FUTURE POLICE OFFICERS TO WORK WITH VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE UNDER WARTIME CONDITIONS

Abstract

The study established that the readiness of future police officers to work with victims of domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) under wartime conditions should be considered as a comprehensive personal characteristic integrating professional knowledge, practical skills, psychological resilience, high ethical standards, and the ability to cooperate effectively with all stakeholders involved in the system for preventing and combating domestic violence. This integrative professional characteristic comprises motivational, cognitive, operational-practical, psychological, and reflective components. A high level of development of each component ensures effective performance of professional duties, sound decision-making in complex situations, respect for human rights, and compliance with international standards for the protection of victims of domestic violence. The study substantiates that the current system of police education requires further improvement through strengthening its practical orientation, implementing training-based learning, scenario-based simulations, and developing crisis communication skills, psychological resilience, and interagency cooperation. Particular emphasis should also be placed on integrating the provisions of the Istanbul Convention, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and contemporary international approaches to police education and training. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of police officers in preventing and combating domestic violence depends not only on the level of legal knowledge but also on well-developed communication skills, emotional resilience, the ability to apply a trauma-informed approach, conduct risk assessments, and cooperate with social services, local authorities, healthcare institutions, and non-governmental organizations. At Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, future police officers are prepared to work with victims of domestic violence through the study of the legal framework, the psychological characteristics of victims, the principles of the traumainformed approach, and interagency cooperation. Practical training includes workshops, scenario-based simulations, role-playing exercises, and the practice of response algorithms for domestic violence cases. Particular attention is paid to developing communication skills, emotional resilience, gender sensitivity, and adherence to human rights principles.