THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR STUDYING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FAMILIES OF WAR VETERANS

Abstract

The article aims to provide a theoretical justification of approaches to studying the problem of domestic violence in the families of war veterans and to outline the conceptual foundations for analysing this phenomenon. The focus is placed on a comprehensive examination of psychological, socio-economic, and legal factors that influence the occurrence and dynamics of violence in veteran families. The methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach combining sociological, psychological, and legal analysis. Methods of theoretical generalization, comparative analysis of scholarly sources, content analysis of Ukrainian legislation and international documents were applied. A structural-system approach made it possible to identify key risk factors of domestic violence in veterans’ families, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulties in reintegration into civilian life, and access to firearms. The scientific novelty lies in the systematic review of theoretical approaches to domestic violence that considers the military context and its consequences.The study substantiates the need to adapt classical models of violence (socio-cultural, psychological, cyclical) to the specifics of combat trauma. A conceptual framework is proposed that combines legal protection mechanisms for victims with social and psychological support programs for veterans and their families. The conclusions demonstrate that domestic violence in veteran families is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by individual trauma, socio-economic challenges, and cultural factors. Addressing this issue requires the integration of psychological interventions (PTSD treatment, anger management training), social support (rehabilitation, family counselling, community reintegration), and legal measures (inevitability of punishment, development of crisis services). Further research should focus on empirical analysis of the prevalence of violence in Ukrainian veteran families, gender aspects of the issue, and the adoption of effective international prevention practices.