Addressing domestic violence focus of OSCE-supported training seminar for judges in Kazakhstan

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana supported a training seminar on addressing domestic violence for 35 chairpersons of regional courts in Astana, Kazakhstan on 14 November 2016.

The seminar aimed to develop the judges’ skills in effectively handling domestic violence cases through deepening their understanding of gender issues and enhancing their knowledge of domestic violence law and legal procedures.

Participants learned about the description and terminology of domestic violence according to international standards. They also explored work on the psychological state of domestic violence victims and on Stockholm syndrome, in which victims feel empathy or sympathy for their abusers. The trainers organized discussions groups on preventive measures and on imprisonment in cases of domestic violence.

The event was co-organized with the Justice Academy under the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan as part of the annual retraining courses for judges. It took place in the framework of the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to assist the host authorities and civil society in preventing and combating domestic violence and in offering qualitative social services to victims.