After fleeing from her village in Russian-occupied Ukraine to western Ukraine, Daria spent weeks wandering the streets, unable to confide in anyone about the sexual assault she experienced at the hands of Russian soldiers. Despite feeling isolated and struggling with shame, she eventually found the courage to speak out about her ordeal.
Daria’s story is one of many in Ukraine, where thousands of men, women, and children have been victims of sexual violence at the hands of Russian forces. While the government has made efforts to document and prosecute these crimes, survivors often face challenges in accessing support for their physical and psychological needs.
Many victims have had to pay for medical checkups and therapy sessions out of their own pockets, relying on charities for help with issues like insomnia and panic attacks. Despite the prevalence of sexual violence in the conflict, many survivors are reluctant to come forward due to the stigma and trauma associated with their experiences.
While Ukrainian authorities have made progress in investigating and prosecuting cases of sexual violence, experts argue that more needs to be done to address the immediate needs of survivors. Interim reparations, free healthcare, and housing assistance are essential to helping survivors recover and rebuild their lives.
For many survivors like Daria and Halyna, the road to healing is long and challenging. But with continued support and advocacy, they hope to overcome the effects of their trauma and find a sense of normalcy once again.