New Strategies for Supporting Crime Victims.
From December 17 to 19, 2024, in Lviv, a three-day workshop was held to strengthen interagency cooperation and ensure comprehensive support for victims and witnesses of war crimes. Over the course of three days, prosecutors and coordinators exchanged experiences, developed practical recommendations and strategies, and worked on improving the victim support system.
The event program included a series of training sessions, workshops, and simulation exercises, during which key aspects of working with victims of war crimes were discussed and practiced.
The first part of the event featured moderated discussions, where participants explored innovative approaches to victim support, particularly the activities of the Coordination Center. This laid the foundation for further improvement of interagency cooperation and experience exchange among participants.
One of the key components of the program was group workshops. Nataliia Zaikina, a psychologist and trauma-focused therapist, led a session on strategies for maintaining psychological well-being. Participants learned about methods for supporting the mental health of victims and gained practical skills for applying them in their professional activities.
Liudmyla Vyhivska, a lawyer and expert in criminal justice, shared modern approaches to working with victims, emphasizing the most effective interaction practices. Together with the participants, Liudmyla Oliinyk examined the methodology for conducting individual victim assessments, which ensures proper support and effective response to their needs.
Special attention was given to international experience. Alma Taso, an expert from the International Criminal Law Initiative ACA, shared best practices for supporting victims and witnesses, helping participants better understand international standards and implement them in their work.
Participation in simulation exercises allowed for the practical application of acquired knowledge. Participants worked with real victim stories, developing action mechanisms and practical recommendations for solving pressing issues. Various scenarios that may arise in the course of their work were modeled, enabling participants to refine their skills in handling complex cases and ensuring effective support.
The final part of the event focused on developing practical recommendations and mechanisms for addressing existing challenges in victim and witness support, which will serve as the basis for further work in this field.
The event was organized as part of a project implemented by the charitable foundation "NAVKOLO" with the support of the Law Enforcement Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. All opinions expressed during the workshop are those of the participants and experts and do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Embassy or any other organization.
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