A new joint instruction establishes a victim-centred approach at all stages of investigation
The Prosecutor General's Office, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have signed a joint Instruction on investigating conflict-related sexual violence. The document establishes unified standards for prosecutors and investigators. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
The agreed Instruction defines clear rules for law enforcement activities during the pre-trial investigation stage. The joint document was signed by the heads of the agencies in the presence of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Ukraine, Sir Neil Crompton.
International Support and European Standards
The development of this regulatory document began in 2023. The process was supported by the British Embassy in Ukraine under the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), with the participation of experts from Synergy for Justice and Global Rights Compliance.
The adoption of the new investigation rules is an important element of Ukraine’s international commitments on its path to the European Union. Specifically, the rules align with the provisions of EU Directive 2012/29/EU on the rights, support, and protection of victims of crime, as well as the Rule of Law Roadmap.
New Approaches to Supporting Survivors
The adopted Instruction outlines detailed requirements for specialized training for investigators and prosecutors. It mandates assessing security and psychological risks for survivors and obtaining their informed consent before any procedural actions are taken.
To minimize re-traumatisation of survivors during proceedings, a less formal communication format is being introduced. In particular, the traditional term “interrogation” is replaced by “interview”. Survivors will also be allowed to undergo all procedures accompanied by a person they fully trust.
Distinguishing Legal Statuses and Coordinating Assistance
The joint instruction clearly distinguishes between the legal terms “survivor” and “victim”. A separate section of the document is dedicated to the initial contact of law enforcement officers with individuals who have suffered violence but do not yet hold official procedural status in criminal proceedings.
Furthermore, the rules establish a clear mechanism for cooperation between investigators, prosecutors, and the Coordinating Centre for Victim and Witness Support. This will ensure survivors are promptly referred to receive essential medical, psychological, and social assistance.
Photo: Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine
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