Counteracting gender-based violence: training for police officers of the educational security sector of Chernihiv region

Learning and gaining new experience in combating gender-based violence (GBV) is an important aspect in the modern world.

A training session was held for inspectors of the educational security service of the Main Department of National Police in Chernihiv region on the topic “Identification and referral of victims of violence. Interaction with other entities providing assistance”.

The training trainer was Natalia Kulikova, head of programs at the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights.

The purpose of the event is to actualize the problem of GBV, question stereotypes associated with violence, and provide appropriate information and tools to assist victims of GBV.

According to statistics, 2021 became one of the years that led in the number of appeals to law enforcement agencies regarding cases of domestic violence, after which the trend began to decline somewhat. However, last year’s figures indicate the opposite: the recording of cases of violence is increasing.

The main task for participants is to acquire practical skills and apply new knowledge in direct law enforcement activities. After all, the training was built on practical aspects that will help improve competence and raise awareness in the field of combating GBV.

During the event, police officers actively participated in joint discussions and deliberations, analyzed real cases of GBV using examples, and also developed an effective mechanism for assistance in the event of violence. Thanks to teamwork, the participants improved their ability to work in a group and respect each other’s opinions.

During the training, participants had the opportunity to learn about the characteristic features of GBV, familiarize themselves with the algorithm of interaction of entities implementing measures in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence, consider the national legislation on this issue and the procedure for measures that can be applied to the perpetrator.

The project “Building the capacity to respond to cases of gender-based violence and providing assistance to victims in communities of Chernihiv region” is implemented within the framework of the CLEAR Program, which is implemented by the international organization Global Communities and funded by the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance of the United States Agency for International Development USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance