LEGAL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abstract

The article examines key mechanisms of
international legal cooperation in combating
domestic violence, analyzes regulatory legal acts
governing this sphere, and identifies challenges and
prospects for Ukraine's integration into the
international system for protecting victims' rights.
Particular attention is given to the role of
international organizations, including the United
Nations (UN), the Council of Europe, the European
Union (EU), and the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in establishing
general standards for preventing and responding to
domestic violence. The study also explores the
implementation of international commitments into
Ukraine's national legislation, particularly the
enforcement of the Istanbul Convention, which
provides a comprehensive approach to addressing
gender-based violence.
The article highlights the effectiveness of
national law enforcement practices, the specifics of
criminalizing domestic violence under Article 126-1 of
the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and the challenges of
interaction between national and international
institutions. It also investigates the financial support
of state programs for victims and their dependence on
international donors, which affects the sustainability
of the social protection system.
Furthermore, the article analyzes key
international initiatives and programs such as "EU for
Gender Equality," the OSCE’s Extra-Budgetary
Support Programme for Ukraine, and the Regional
Monitoring Guide on Working with Perpetrators,
which contribute to the development of national
mechanisms for combating domestic violence and
raising public awareness.
In conclusion, the article substantiates the necessity of strengthening interagency coordination, expanding funding for crisis centers, improving international legal cooperation, and adapting Ukraine’s legislation to modern international standards in the field of human rights protection.

Keywords: responsibility, domestic violence, gender-based violence, criminalization, international cooperation, international organizations, legal aspects, law enforcement practice, collaboration, Istanbul Convention.