Psychological assistance to civilians in the context of the negative impact of war: The problem of improving legislation

Abstract

This study was aimed at developing methods to improve the effectiveness of psychological assistance to Ukrainians affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war. For this purpose, the current legislation of Ukraine was analysed, a survey among the affected civilian population was conducted, and international experience in providing psychological assistance in war and crisis situations was considered. The findings demonstrated significant gaps in the legislation presented in the reviewed regulatory documents. The identified weaknesses related to coordination between different services, funding of programmes and specific needs of different population groups (children, women, the elderly and internally displaced persons), which led to a lack of efficiency in the provision of psychological assistance and limited access to the necessary services in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. A survey of respondents on the availability and quality of psychological assistance showed that 28% of respondents in Group 1 (whose participants had experienced traumatic experiences, including the occupation) highly appreciated the availability of assistance, while in Group 2 this figure was 59%. The findings indicated significant differences in the perception of the availability of assistance between different categories of the population, which is likely related to the level of trauma and the effectiveness of existing support programmes. It was found that the need for psychological assistance far exceeds the available resources, and the need to expand assistance programmes and increase their effectiveness was substantiated. International experience of providing psychological assistance in war and crisis situations has shown that integrated interventions that combine medical and psychosocial support are effective in reducing the level of mental disorders among refugees and victims. Recommendations for improving legislation included the introduction of information campaigns to reduce the stigma of mental disorders and raise public awareness of available services. The findings pointed to the need to integrate psychological support into the general healthcare system and to increase funding for programmes