Ukrainian Experience of Social Rehabilitation of Children Victims of Domestic Violence Under Martial Law

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the Ukrainian experience of social rehabilitation of children who have suffered from domestic violence under martial law. The full-scale war in Ukraine has significantly intensified social risks for families and children, contributed to an increase in domestic violence cases, and complicated access to protection and assistance mechanisms. The study substantiates that domestic violence during wartime acquires a systemic nature and acts as a factor of secondary traumatization of children, negatively affecting their mental health, socialization, and educational trajectories. Based on the analysis of the regulatory and legal framework, reports of state authorities, materials of international and civil society organizations, as well as regional studies and practical cases, the key mechanisms of social rehabilitation of children in wartime conditions are identified. Particular attention is paid to the activities of specialized services, interagency cooperation, and the role of social protection bodies, the police, the healthcare system, and non-governmental organizations. The practices of crisis rooms, shelters, day centres, and mobile teams are analyzed as tools for ensuring safety and recovery of affected children.

The article emphasizes the importance of the trauma-informed approach and case management as the methodological basis of rehabilitation support. It is concluded that the effectiveness of social rehabilitation under martial law depends on the integration of state and non-state resources, the stability of service provision, and a child-centred orientation of the response system.