Domestic Violence in the Context of Russia’s Armed Aggression Against Ukraine: Legal Challenges and Solutions

Abstract. This article examines the issue of domestic violence in the context of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. It proposes comprehensive measures to address this problem, including legislative improvements, expanded access to crisis centers, and stricter accountability for perpetrators. The article also underscores the need for interagency cooperation between state authorities, civil society organizations, and international institutions in combating domestic violence during wartime.
The study reviews judicial practice in cases related to domestic violence. It emphasizes that domestic violence fundamentally differs from ordinary conflicts, as it has distinct characteristics. Perpetrators of domestic violence, having a significant advantage in power and capabilities, act deliberately to achieve a specific outcome– harming the victim by violating their rights and freedoms. In contrast, a conflict should be understood as a state of relations characterized by a clash of opposing interests and views, heightened tension, and the escalation of contradictions. Conflicts may lead to active confrontations, struggles, and complex interactions, where each party seeks to assert a position incompatible with the interests of the other.
Domestic violence is emphasized as a global socio-legal problem that requires a comprehensive approach to its resolution. An analysis of Ukraine’s current legislation reveals significant progress in the legal regulation of preventing and combating domestic violence. However, several challenges hinder the effectiveness of these efforts. In particular, the limited effectiveness protective orders, the lack of preventive measures, and weak coordination between law enforcement agencies and social services remain significant obstacles. The article highlights the need to strengthen educational and preventive initiatives to foster intolerance toward violent behavior and to implement a systematic approach to data collection. Such an approach would enable an objective assessment the problem scale and the measures response effectiveness. Addressing these issues would contribute to the development an effective system for preventing and combating domestic violence, aligned with international standards and aimed at protecting human rights in Ukraine. It is crucial to maintain a victim-centered approach and to recognize that domestic violence constitutes a fundamental violation of human rights.