As the war continues, a few brave women in Ukraine are speaking out about the sexual assaults they endured under Russian occupation, raising awareness and slowly changing the narrative surrounding these deeply personal traumas.
Ukrainian Women Break Silence on Sexual Assault Amid War
Ukrainian Women Break Silence on Sexual Assault Amid War
In the Kherson region, women survivors begin to share their experiences of sexual violence during the ongoing conflict, challenging societal stigma.
In the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, a movement is emerging as women survivors of sexual assault begin to share their harrowing experiences. Amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflict, a 77-year-old former high school teacher, Liudmyla, stands at the forefront of this revolution, recounting her tales of hardship to empower others.
Last summer, in a small village tent, Liudmyla spoke to a group of ten women, revealing, “What I went through… I was beaten, I was raped, but I am still living thanks to these people.” Alongside her, fellow survivors Tetyana, 61, and Alisa Kovalenko, 37, have been instrumental in these gatherings that aim to de-stigmatize discussions about conflict-related sexual violence. This initiative marks a significant step toward confronting an issue that has largely been shrouded in silence.
The social stigma surrounding sexual assault in Ukraine—stemming from deeply rooted religious and conservative values—has long silenced many victims. Despite this, official reports indicate over 344 cases of conflict-related sexual violence since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, with 220 of those cases involving women, including minors.
While few women in Ukraine have come forward to report their ordeals, the courage of Liudmyla and others is paving the way for increased awareness and support. Alisa Kovalenko, who has openly spoken of her assault during 2014’s conflict with Russian-backed separatists, represents the growing voice of those seeking acknowledgment of their suffering and a shift in societal perceptions.
As these meetings unfold, they stand as a testament to the resilience of women amidst adversity, sparking hope that the silence surrounding such traumatic experiences can be broken and the necessary changes for support and justice can be made.
