SPECIFIC FEATURES OF INVESTIGATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRIMES AND CERTAIN PROBLEMATIC ISSUES ENCOUNTERED IN PRACTICE

Abstract

Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing and socially dangerous forms of crime, affecting not only individual victims but also the stability of families and society as a whole. The complexity of such crimes lies in their latent nature, emotional and psychological dimensions, and the close relationship between the offender and the victim. This article examines the specific features of investigating domestic violence crimes and analyzes certain problematic issues encountered in investigative practice. The study aims to identify procedural, criminological, and organizational peculiarities that distinguish domestic violence investigations from other categories of criminal cases, as well as to propose approaches to improving investigative efficiency and victim protection mechanisms.
The research highlights that domestic violence crimes often occur within private settings, without independent witnesses, and are frequently accompanied by psychological pressure, economic dependence, and repeated cycles of abuse. These factors significantly complicate evidence collection, assessment, and documentation. Special attention is paid to the role of timely registration of complaints, the conduct of forensic medical examinations, interviewing techniques sensitive to victims’ psychological conditions, and the importance of risk assessment in preventing repeated violence. The article also analyzes the difficulties arising from victims’ reluctance to cooperate with investigators due to fear, social stigma, reconciliation with the offender, or financial dependence.
Furthermore, the study explores procedural guarantees aimed at ensuring the rights and safety of victims during the pre-trial investigation. It examines protective orders, confidentiality measures, access to legal aid, and interagency cooperation between law enforcement bodies, social services, and medical institutions. The effectiveness of these mechanisms is evaluated in light of existing legal frameworks and practical implementation challenges. Comparative elements of international standards and national legislation are also considered to identify best practices in addressing domestic violence cases.
Methodologically, the research is based on the analysis of criminal legislation, investigative practice materials, statistical data, and scholarly publications. Methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization are applied to assess current investigative approaches and identify systemic shortcomings. The findings indicate that improving investigative effectiveness requires specialized training for law enforcement officers, development of victim-centered investigative techniques, enhanced coordination among relevant institutions, and the integration of psychological and forensic expertise into the investigative process.
In conclusion, the article substantiates that domestic violence investigations demand a differentiated and multidisciplinary approach, combining strict adherence to procedural norms with sensitivity to the social and psychological dimensions of the crime. Addressing the identified problematic issues will contribute to strengthening legal protection for victims, increasing the rate of crime detection, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of criminal justice responses to domestic violence.