EUAM Trains Ukrainian Authorities on strategic case-building for prosecution of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Crimes
June 10, 2025
On 20 May, EUAM Ukraine held a training in Mykolaiv to support Ukrainian authorities in building strong cases related to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The training brought together representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), National Police of Ukraine (NPU), Regional Prosecutor’s Offices (RPOs), and Victims and Witnesses Coordination Units from Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.
The workshop focused on two forms of CRSV documented in the context of the war in Ukraine: forced nudity and electrocution of genitals. “Conflict-related sexual violence can have a severe, multi-layered impact on survivors. It is important that cases adequately capture the multiple dimensions of harm – physical, mental and reproductive – as well as the sexualized nature of these forms of violence”, explained Pauline Brosch, Senior Advisor of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at EUAM Ukraine. The workshop examined how international courts have addressed forced nudity and electrocution of genitals in the past and participants discussed opportunities and challenges for Ukrainian authorities to prosecute these conducts under the existing legal framework.
Sanna Kaskeala, Rule of Law Advisor at the EUAM Ukraine Field Office in Odesa, added: “The workshop highlighted how case law evolves with each new context and conflict. Ukrainian prosecutors now have the opportunity to shape and strengthen case law on CRSV, ensuring that the full extent of harm caused by this form of violence is properly addressed”.
The training was delivered by EUAM with the participation of a representative from the CRSV Unit at the Office of the Prosecutor General. Together, they presented both international and national case studies, highlighting current practice in Ukraine and making comparisons with international approaches to similar crimes. Particular attention was given to aggravating factors that can strengthen cases.
Participants worked through case studies developed by the OPG, tailored to the Ukrainian context. These exercises encouraged experience-sharing and peer exchange across institutions. A trauma-focused approach was applied throughout the workshop, building on a previous EUAM-led workshop in April on trauma-informed investigations. Participants welcomed the opportunity to continue this learning and engage across the criminal justice chain, from investigation to prosecution, in a coordinated, survivor-centered manner.
The workshop responded to priorities identified by the OPG’s CRSV Unit, particularly the need to strengthen the specialization of regional prosecutors and ensure that training is tailored to the specific types of crimes committed in each operational context. It also aimed to reinforce inter-agency coordination and advance Ukraine’s ability to investigate and prosecute CRSV as international crimes in line with international standards.
