The Polaris Programme: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine conducted a series of training sessions titled “The Role of the Starosta in the System for Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence” for starostas and representatives of partner hromadas across different regions of Ukraine.
The trainings took place:
- on 17 March in Kolomyia hromada, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast;
- on 14 April in Sarny hromada, Rivne Oblast, with participants from the Sarny, Berezne and Rokytne hromadas;
- on 21 April in Boyarka hromada, Kyiv Oblast, with participants from the Boyarka, Borodianka and Ruzhyn hromadas;
- on 5 May in Horokhiv hromada, Volyn Oblast.
The aim of the trainings was to strengthen the institutional capacity of starostas as key actors within the local system for preventing and combating domestic violence by deepening their knowledge and developing practical skills.
During the sessions, participants discussed the nature and forms of domestic violence, response approaches, the role of the starosta within the local support system for survivors, as well as mechanisms for cooperation between local self-government bodies, social services, the police and other response actors.
Special attention was given to developing networks of general and specialised support services in hromadas, prevention and awareness-raising activities, and survivor-centred approaches to responding to domestic violence cases.
An important part of the trainings was practical group work. Participants analysed real-life situations that starostas may encounter in their daily work, discussed local response challenges, and jointly developed solutions for providing effective support to people affected by domestic violence.
Starostas are often the first representatives of local self-government to whom residents turn in times of crisis. Therefore, their awareness, clear understanding of response procedures, and ability to coordinate cooperation between relevant services are essential for ensuring timely assistance and creating a safer environment in hromadas.
The training series became part of Polaris’ support to partner hromadas in building responsive, people-centred local governance and strengthening systems for protecting survivors of domestic violence.
