FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERTISE IN THE CONTEXT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES

Abstract

The article examines the features of forensic psychological examination in the context of domestic violence cases. The regulatory framework for combating domestic violence in Ukraine is analyzed, in particular, the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention and Combating Domestic Violence”, the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Istanbul Convention. The specificity of psychological violence as the most complex object of forensic expert research is determined due to the absence of visible physical consequences and the peculiarities of its phenomenology, which is characterized by cyclicity, duration of destructive impact, gradual escalation and combination of several forms of violence simultaneously.Methodological approaches to conducting forensic psychological examination in considering domestic violence cases are disclosed, in particular, the diagnostic tools and standardized methods are characterized, including MMPI- 2, PTSD diagnostic methods, projective tests and content analysis of statements.The key issues that are most often resolved by expert psychologists in such cases are highlighted, in particular, regarding the presence of signs of psychological trauma in the psycho-emotional state of the victim, her being in a psychologically dependent state, the causal relationship between the suspect’s actions and psychological changes in the victim’s state.The ethical aspects of conducting the examination are considered, in particular, the need to maintain confidentiality and prevent re-traumatization of the victim during the research process. The need to develop research protocols adapted to the Ukrainian socio-cultural context to increase the effectiveness of forensic psychological examination in cases of domestic violence is substantiated.The importance of using a “trauma-informed approach” is emphasized. The significance of forensic psychological examination as a tool for objectifying the psychological consequences of violent acts for correct legal qualification and implementation of the principle of fairness of justice is proven.