From 18 to 20 February, a training seminar was held for professionals working in the field of preventing and combating gender-based violence, including conflict-related domestic and sexual violence (CRSV). The event was organised by the High School of Public Governance and the National Training Centre for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence with the support of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, and funding from the European Union.

The participants included representatives of the police, prosecutors, courts and local authorities of Mykolaiv region. The training covered key aspects of cooperation between different structures in the field of combating domestic violence, the most common form of gender-based violence. Particular attention was paid to the need for a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, rapid response and rehabilitation of victims.

In addition, the trainees emphasised the importance of coordination between law enforcement, medical institutions, social services, educational institutions and NGOs. Such coordinated interaction allows for quick identification of cases of violence, provision of necessary assistance to victims and implementation of preventive measures that reduce the risk of recurrence. It was also emphasised that effective interagency cooperation is critical in crisis situations, particularly in the context of CRSV, where a clear division of responsibilities and prompt response are of particular importance.

Establishing interagency cooperation is a key factor in combating gender-based violence. This format of cooperation not only allows for a faster and more effective response to challenges, but also creates the preconditions for systemic changes in the protection of victims.