Ukraine’s War Survivors Break the Silence: Overcoming Stigma After Sexual Violence
Trigger Warning: This article discusses sexual violence and its psychological impact.
The Hidden War: Sexual Violence and the Weight of Shame
In the quiet villages on the outskirts of Kyiv, a devastating pattern has taken root since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Women like Mila—her name changed to protect her identity—are not only grappling with the trauma of sexual violence but also enduring the crushing burden of stigma from their own communities. Their stories, though heartbreaking, are a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.
The Brutality of War and the Aftermath of Silence
In March 2022, Mila’s village fell under Russian occupation. A young soldier, barely older than her 19-year-old son, subjected her to repeated assaults. He was part of a unit that had already executed her friend’s husband in front of her. The violence didn’t stop there. Months later, after Ukrainian forces reclaimed the area, whispers spread through the village. Some questioned whether Mila’s story was true. Others suggested she had somehow invited the soldier’s attention. When she finally gathered the courage to report the crime, the police’s first question was, “Why didn’t you resist?”
Mila’s experience is far from isolated. In rural Ukraine, survivors of sexual violence often face a double trauma: the assault itself, followed by gossip, blame, and social exclusion. According to the United Nations, only a few hundred cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been officially verified since the war began. However, experts, including Pramila Patten, the UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, believe the actual numbers are far higher. Russian forces, she warns, are using rape as a “deliberate tactic to dehumanize” Ukrainian civilians, weaponizing sexual violence to instill fear and break communities.
Breaking the Stigma: A Lifeline for Survivors
Finding women willing to speak about their ordeals is a challenge. The stigma runs so deep that many survivors remain silent, fearing judgment, retaliation, or even further violence. But organizations like the Andreev Foundation are working tirelessly to change that narrative. Their crisis hotline and mobile teams of psychologists travel to formerly occupied towns, where locals often discreetly point out the homes of women known to have been attacked.
Iryna Andreeva, Co-Founder and Director of the Andreev Foundation, puts it bluntly: “We never find any women who said ‘no’ to the Russian soldiers. That’s because they are dead.” The implication is chilling—resistance often leads to murder. For those who survive, the fear of speaking out is paralyzing.
Once survivors are identified, groups like Women for Women International step in to help rebuild their lives. They offer trauma counseling, both in groups and one-on-one, as well as gynecological referrals and basic medical care. Anna Orel, a representative from the Andreev Foundation, emphasizes the importance of patience: “We gain their trust and wait till they are ready. We want them to know that we are on their side.”
The Long Road to Healing
Even after escaping their captors, some women face relentless skepticism. One survivor, abducted at gunpoint and taken to Belarus, endured repeated assaults before being freed. Months later, when she announced her pregnancy, rumors swirled that her husband couldn’t possibly be the father. The psychological toll of such doubt can be as devastating as the initial trauma, compounding the pain of an already unbearable experience.
Mila, however, refuses to stay silent. She has shared her story with counselors and even a foreign journalist, believing that speaking out is the only way to begin healing. “If I didn’t tell my story,” she says, “I wouldn’t be able to recover.” When she’s strong enough, she plans to leave her village behind and join her son in Germany, hoping to start anew. Her courage is a beacon for others, a reminder that healing is possible, even in the darkest of times.
She wants more women to come forward, to seek help without shame, and to understand that they are not to blame. The road to recovery is long, but with support, it is possible. Survivors need to know that their voices matter and that they are not alone in their fight for justice and dignity.
How You Can Help
Survivors of war-related sexual violence need more than just words—they need action. Donations help provide safe spaces for rehabilitation, medical care, and psychological support. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of women like Mila, who are fighting to reclaim their dignity and their futures.
If you’re able, consider supporting organizations that provide critical resources to survivors. Your generosity can help break the cycle of silence and stigma, offering hope to those who need it most.
Note: Names have been changed to protect identities.
