Training on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) for Criminal Investigators
Cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) are classified as war crimes under the Criminal Code of Ukraine and international humanitarian law. These cases are considered by both national courts and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The primary responsibility for collecting evidence and investigating such crimes lies with police investigators. For this reason, the Ukrainian Red Cross, in partnership with the French Red Cross, organised a specialised training event for Ukrainian crime investigators.
The training, held from 4 to 5 December 2024 in Uzhhorod, was intended to deepen law enforcement officials’ understanding of conflict-related sexual violence, analyse Ukrainian legislation and international norms governing such crimes, facilitate the exchange of experiences among investigative officers from different parts of Ukraine, and review foreign investigative techniques.
The speaker at the training event was Eric Emeraux, Colonel of the French National Gendarmerie and Head of the Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity, Genocide, and War Crimes (OCLCH). Commenting on the training programme, he said:
“During the training, we alternated between theoretical sessions on listening techniques and practical group exercises. A separate section was dedicated to the various methods used in France and Europe to track down war crimes suspects. We also examined cooperation in this area at the European and international levels, a topic that particularly captured the attention of the participants.”
Topics Covered in the CRSV Training for Ukrainian Investigators
The training programme was designed for a professional audience of police officers, equipping them with specialised knowledge on the following aspects:
- The international legal framework
- The legislative framework in Ukraine
- The psychological impact of sexual violence on victims (trauma, post-traumatic stress, dissociation, shame, guilt)
- Cultural, social, and community factors affecting the victim
- Evidence in criminal proceedings
- The role of hearings in the investigation process
- Basic concepts of communication mechanisms during hearings
- Basic principles of applied psychology and behaviour
- The French method of active listening in investigations
In addition to the topic of CRSV, the programme included an introduction to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: a brief history, the components of the Movement, their responsibilities, and symbols.
Such training events help to enhance the effectiveness of Ukrainian crime investigators in the challenging conditions of war, which have led to an increase in cases of war crimes involving sexual violence.
