System for combating domestic violence: national and international dimensions

Abstract

This article examines the issue of domestic violence as one of the most complex and socially dangerous forms of human rights violations, encompassing criminal law as well as social, psychological, and cultural aspects. It is determined that the distinctive feature of this phenomenon lies in its high level of latency, as a significant portion of violence cases remain outside official statistics due to the victims’ fear, economic dependence on the abuser, distrust of law enforcement agencies, as well as societal stereotypes regarding the “privacy” of family relationships. Domestic violence manifests itself in physical, psychological, sexual, and economic forms, each of which causes lasting harm to the physical and mental health of the victims. Particularly dangerous is the systemic nature of such violence, which is accompanied by control, intimidation, and isolation of the victim, gradually depriving them of the ability to independently defend their rights and interests. As a result, domestic violence often becomes a factor in secondary victimization and leads to the recurrence of criminal behavior. The psychological and emotional exhaustion of the population, the traumatic experience of war, forced displacement, loss of employment and housing, as well as the general instability of socio-economic conditions contribute to increased conflict within families and a higher risk of violent acts. War exacerbates existing power imbalances in family relationships and creates additional barriers to the timely detection and prevention of domestic violence. The insufficient effectiveness of early response mechanisms and victim protection remains a serious problem. Despite the existence of specific legislation and the criminalization of domestic violence, in practice, victims often face a formalistic approach from authorized agencies, the difficulty of proving the systematic nature of the violence, as well as limited access to social and psychological services, especially in rural areas or in territories close to the combat zone. The issue of domestic violence against vulnerable groups – children, the elderly, and people with disabilities – requires special attention.