Assessment Of The Implementation Of The Provisions Of The Istanbul Convention In Ukraine

Abstract

The article is devoted to studying the state of implementation of the provisions of the Istanbul Convention in Ukraine, which is an important stage in combating gender-based and domestic violence. The study is based on the materials of focus groups covering key participants in combating violence in the Chernivtsi region. The level of awareness among participants involved in preventing and responding to violence cases including social workers, police officers, representatives of religious communities, and those responsible for the territorial communities was analysed. It was determined that the ratification of the Istanbul Convention contributed to increasing attention to the problem of violence and the development of the appropriate infrastructure to combat fierceness. However, the general level of awareness of participants regarding the standards of the Convention remains low which complicates the effective implementation of its provisions. Numerous problems were identified including a lack of coordination between participants and a low level of trust of victims in the police, a lack of programs for working with perpetrators, a stereotypical perception of the violence in society, staff shortages and turnover, and low effectiveness of protective orders. To improve the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, it is proposed that additional resources be attracted, employee motivation should be increased, and professional training programs should be developed. An important direction is the involvement of religious organizations in educational work, victim support initiatives, and spiritual guidance which will contribute to strengthening public support and changes in attitudes towards the problem of violence. The article outlines the prospects for further research in the field of analysing the implementation of state and regional action plans. It also studies the experience of victims and the influence of international organizations on the implementation of the Convention. The results can be used to improve mechanisms for combating violence and develop new approaches in social and legal practice.