A New Tool for Odesa Police to Support Veterans and Their Families
March 10, 2025
The scars of war run deep, often extending beyond the battlefield and into the homes of veterans and their families. For those who served, and their loved ones, the return home can bring new struggles. Veterans face the challenge of reintegration, adapting to civilian life while coping with the psychological effects of war. Their families also experience this transition, often under significant emotional and social strain.
When domestic violence occurs in these households, police officers are often the first to respond. How they approach such situations can make a significant difference. At the request of the Preventive Department of the Odesa National Police of Ukraine, the NGO Faith, Hope, Love (FHL) and Odesa MoIA University developed guidelines on how to approach these sensitive cases. With their input, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine contributed to creating a pocket-sized booklet for law enforcers to handle the domestic violence cases with understanding and care.
On 4 March, EUAM handed over the booklets to the partners for distribution to regional police units. Click here to discover the whole leaflet.
What is the booklet about?
The booklet provides essential guidance on responding to domestic violence cases in war veterans’ families with sensitivity and professionalism. It addresses the heightened tension and stress these households may experience and offers practical strategies for de-escalation, conflict resolution, and recognising signs of trauma and mental health struggles linked to combat. The material is based on real-life experience and was developed with input from frontline officers, psychologists, academics, EUAM experts, and those directly affected by domestic violence.
“The EUAM is committed to supporting Ukraine in strengthening its rule of law and protecting vulnerable populations,” said Jean-Marc Krebs, Head of the Liberated and Adjacent Territories (LAT) Unit in the EUAM’s Odesa Field Office. “This initiative directly addresses a critical need, equipping police from Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, with the tools they need to respond effectively and compassionately to domestic violence cases involving war veterans’ families,” added Heidi Kotamaki, EUAM’s Community Police Officer in the Odesa Field Office.
Tetiana Semikop, Head of the Board of the FHL, mentioned: “When the Odesa police asked for our help on how to handle domestic violence cases involving war veterans, of course, we wanted to assist with this important issue. The police play a crucial role in such cases, usually as the first responders.”
Olena Kovalova, a professor from Odesa MoIA University, emphasised the critical role these booklets will play in improving the response to domestic violence in Odesa. “This collaboration highlights the importance of multi-sector partnerships in tackling complex social challenges,” she commented. “The practical advice and insights in these guides will make a real difference in the lives of victims and families affected by this violence.”
This initiative is part of EUAM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s law enforcement, ensuring officers have the necessary skills and resources to support vulnerable communities.
