Justice in times of war: highlights of our video podcast on stigmatization in SNPK cases
Ukraine is today creating a unique global precedent. While international practice was formed mainly after the end of wars and prisoner exchanges, our courts conduct criminal proceedings directly during a military conflict — including passing absentee sentences.
In our video podcast, we discussed the most important things with experts: how the judicial system is changing, what challenges judges face, how stereotypes about victims are being overcome, and where to look for proven help.
We've gathered key quotes and insights from our releases with links to videos so you can watch the most important parts.
The uniqueness of Ukrainian judicial proceedings and challenges for judges
The Ukrainian judicial system is forced to respond to today's unprecedented challenges by applying international standards of evidence and interagency cooperation right now.
In general, it is important to first of all pay attention to the fact that Ukraine is creating a unique precedent, since we are currently shaping world practice... Ukraine currently has the opportunity and conducts criminal proceedings directly in such a way that we can even carry out absentia sentences without the presence of the offenders on the territory of Ukraine."
Violence has no gender: challenges in men's affairs
A separate layer of challenges concerns cases where victims of SNPK are men. Stereotypical questions such as "You're a man, why didn't you fight back?" are completely unacceptable. Sexual violence by the Russian military is not about sexuality, but about a method of warfare aimed at humiliation, destruction and a demonstration of power. The justice authorities emphasize the inadmissibility of such prejudices.
Traumatic memory is like different stickers about an event, located at different ends of space and not in order. The person focused on survival, not on remembering the sequence. This is important for both law enforcement and the judicial system to understand
Why is it more difficult for men to seek help?
Men face a double stigma due to stereotypes of “indomitable masculinity.” However, acknowledging the fact of surviving the unpredictable chaos of war and reaching out to specialized lines is a display of true resilience.
The standard of polite communication begins before the first question is asked.
The main condition is that respect for the person should be a mandatory part of the entire system. That is, the entire system should work exclusively with respect for the person, regardless of which institution the victim turns to.
The specialist should clearly introduce themselves, explain their purpose, provide the opportunity for pauses, and, most importantly, not make unfulfilled promises like "you will be in absolute comfort and no one will hurt you."
On the uniqueness of the Ukrainian experience
"For many, solving social problems and helping the victims is something that should be done after the war is over. And we are doing it here and now, changing international awareness."
On the essence of reparations as recognition of dignity
"The perpetrators are trying to show: 'You are not part of society.' And we as a society must show solidarity to these people. Compensation is a material manifestation of our recognition, which helps to overcome social discrimination and depressive states."
"Acknowledge. Support. Counteract"
Admit it - to give a person the right to the truth, to share their experience without any exaggeration.
Support — provide access to legal, social, and psychological services and listen without judgment.
The countermeasure is to actively respond to any manifestations of stigmatization, victim-blaming, or inappropriate jokes in society and the media.
If you or your loved ones need legal or psychological support, contact the National Hotline for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, and Gender Discrimination:
116 123
0 800 500 335
Telegram: NHL116123_bot
Instagram: lastradaukraine
Facebook: lastradaukraine
The material was prepared as part of the implementation of the project "Countering Stigma and Stereotypes: Access to Justice for Victims of Sexual Violence in Ukraine" by the NGO "La Strada-Ukraine", with financial support from Synergy of Justice within the framework of the program "Stigma in the Justice System".
#SNC #LaStradaUkraine #ProjectStigma #Justice #RecognizeSupportCounteract #HumanRights
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