Training of Trainers on combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence with Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia

June 27, 2024

In partnership with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC) jointly hosted the second three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) webinar with UNDP Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia from 25 to 27 June 2024. Building on the first session held last year, this ToT delved deeper into Korea’s reporting and investigation techniques for technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF GBV) in the digital sphere.

Day 1 & 2: Knowledge-sharing by the Korean Police to tackle technology-facilitated gender-based violence

The first day centred on mechanisms for preventing secondary victimization, such as establishing victim-centred support and reporting, and implementing institutional measures for investigators suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Presentations were given by Yun-Cheng Chang, Senior Inspector and Team Lead of the Investigation and Legal Support Team at the Northeastern Gyeonggi Sunflower Center, and Sungnam Jung, Senior Inspector and Professor at the Women and Juvenile Affairs Division of the Korean Police Investigation Academy.

Preventing secondary victimization and victim/survivor support system

Ms. Chang's presentation highlighted the Republic of Korea (ROK)'s advancements in eradicating digital sex crimes, preventing secondary victimization, and supporting victims and survivors. She emphasized that secondary victimization significantly depends on the gender awareness and sensitivity of police officers, which greatly affects victims and survivors during investigations.

To address this issue, KNPA has developed structured investigation protocols aimed at minimizing secondary harm and enhancing the credibility of victims' testimonies through a Standard Investigation Model. Investigators receive extensive education and training to enhance gender sensitivity, supported by publications and manuals that emphasize victim/survivor-centred approaches throughout the investigation process.

The Sunflower Center is the ROK’s one-stop service centre for the victims/survivors of gender-based violence, and police officers are dispatched to provide investigative support at the Center. Ms. Chang emphasized that victim/survivor support requires a multi-stakeholder effort to facilitate integrated and comprehensive service provision, including psychological counselling, medical assistance, and digital devices such as smartwatches for the timely protection of victims. Reflecting on her experiences as Team Lead at the Sunflower Center, Ms. Chang underscored the importance of police officers' empathy towards victims/survivors by quoting Rebecca Solnit on the power of solidarity.

Victim/survivor-centred reporting, video tracking system and the mental health of investigators

Sungnam Jung presented on the victim/survivor-centred reporting system, the illegal video tracking system, and the essential support for the mental health of investigators. He emphasized the importance of integrating victim-centred approaches in all procedures and trainings to ensure effective protection and support for victims of digital sexual crimes.

He introduced the Electronic Cybercrime Report and Management System (ECRM), a KNPA-developed online platform designed to receive and process electronic statements related to cybercrime, facilitating information sharing for investigation, deletion, and blocking of relevant data. In adapting new technology for investigations, AI facial recognition technology has been integrated, enabling real-time communication through international and interagency cooperative efforts.

Mr. Jung also stressed the importance of prioritizing the well-being of investigators. To support those dealing with digital sex crimes, the KNPA has implemented a consultation system that includes stress appraisal and one-on-one counselling to prevent psychological injuries. In conclusion, Mr. Jung emphasized the need for systematic approaches and technological integration to effectively manage and respond to digital sex crimes while providing necessary support for the mental health of investigators.

Investigation techniques for technology-facilitated gender-based violence

The second day focused on sharing cyber investigation techniques in light of the threats posed by emerging technologies that require more rapid and targeted responses. Min Gyu Kang, Investigator and Professor in the Cyber Crime Investigation Division of the Korean Police Investigation Academy, demonstrated the use of digital data and AI as forensic tools, as well as the ROK’s technologies and know-how, stressing the combination of technology and social engineering in investigations.

The interactive session allowed participants to engage in hands-on exercises, deepening their understanding of the complexities involved in cyber investigations. During the Q&A session, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the technical aspects of cyber investigations.

Day 3: Group activity - Action plan & presentation

On the final day, each country presented its action plans based on the insights gained over the previous two days. Participants exchanged ideas to tailor their existing curricula to local contexts and capacities.

Bangladesh outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of their existing victim-centric reporting system. Recognizing the critical need for holistic support, they aimed to incorporate psychological counselling and legal assistance for victims. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of providing proper training to first responders, ensuring effective victim support and information collection.

Representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina took the stage. Their focus was on developing mandatory continuous training programmes for police officers, aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to handle GBV cases effectively. They also proposed the establishment of coordination teams to improve collaboration among various institutions involved in combating GBV, highlighting the importance of a unified approach.

Finally, North Macedonia stressed the need to improve techniques for searching and handling digital evidence, including forensic analysis and the use of specialized software. Acknowledging the challenges in tackling TF GBV, they recognized the need for proper resources and training. Their action plan prioritized resource allocation and the integration of new technologies in forensic investigations, aiming to stay ahead in the fight against GBV.

While wrapping up each session, KNPA and the three participating countries shared best practices, discussed differences in their measures and underlying system causes, and agreed on the core challenges. They identified the need for legal and institutional changes to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and to address interagency complications and international collaboration. Emphasizing the importance of strong coordination, they recognized these efforts as crucial in overcoming the challenges.

In closing, Youngchan Kim, USPC’s Governance and Gender Team Lead, reiterated the importance of victim-centred approaches, continuous capacity building, and robust inter-agency and international cooperation.

The webinar was conducted as part of USPC’s SDG Partnership programme. Participants will apply the knowledge gained through the webinar for their day-to-day work in eradicating TF GBV in each country, and the action plans developed during the webinar will serve as a foundation for future initiatives and collaborations through the SDG Partnerships.

* UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC) shares Korea’s tested-and-proven policy tools with other countries through SDG Partnerships. SDG Partnerships provide a combination of support, including partnership development with Korean institutions, seed funding, technical assistance, and policy advisory services. It utilizes UNDP’s global network of country offices and the policy expertise and know-how of partner organizations.