GRC is pleased to announce the launch of its new Pilot Toolkit, developed to support the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine (OPG), regional prosecution offices, as well as the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Developed in response to practitioners’ expressed needs, this Toolkit consolidates international best practices on trauma-informed approaches and tailors them to the Ukrainian legal system and the realities of investigating international crimes.
The methodology underpinning the Toolkit combined desk-based research on international standards and comparative practice, field-based engagement with investigators and prosecutors, insights from victims and survivors and consultations with experts. The result is a context-specific, practical resource designed for real-world application.
The Toolkit supports investigators and prosecutors to:
- Recognise signs of psychological and emotional distress, including trauma-related responses;
- Develop a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of victims and survivors and how these experiences may shape behaviour and reactions during investigative interactions;
- Identify how emotional and psychological distress may manifest during interviews; and
- Practical tips to ensure interviews are always conducted in respect of trauma-informed approaches.
Grounded in the “Do No Harm” principle, the Toolkit promotes interview practices that prioritise the well-being of victims and survivors and minimise risks of (re)traumatisation, while enabling investigators and prosecutors to gather complete and coherent accounts necessary for effective criminal proceedings before Ukrainian courts.
Key highlights include:
- Clear, stage-by-stage recommendations of each key stage of the interview process are presented in an easy-to-use checklist format;
- Practical tips from experienced prosecutors and investigators, as well as the Victims and Witnesses Coordination Center to integrate a trauma-informed approach throughout the interview process;
- Suggested responses to common psychological and physical reactions that may arise during interviews;
- Special considerations when interviewing individuals who may be in situations of heightened vulnerability;
- Practical guidance to protect the well-being of prosecutors and investigators working on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) cases; and
- Guidance for leadership and teams on fostering institutional environments that support trauma-informed practice and professional resilience.
“Through our engagement with investigators and prosecutors, we have consistently observed the importance of having a practical, context-specific tool to operationalise trauma-informed principles in Ukraine.” – Anastasiia Moiseieva, Deputy Lead, SGBV MJT at GRC.
“This Toolkit is designed as a pilot initiative. It is a living document that will be reviewed and refined following its use in practice to ensure it remains responsive to practitioners’ needs.” – Julia Tétrault-Provencher, Legal Advisor, SGBV MJT at GRC.
We extend our sincere thanks to Manas for their technical input and collaboration in the development of this resource.
This project was made possible with the support of the European Union.
We look forward to continued engagement with partners and practitioners as this pilot phase unfolds, strengthening survivor-centred and effective investigations across Ukraine.
Read the full Toolkit in English here.
Read the full Toolkit in Ukrainian here.