Ukrainian Women Break the Silence on Sexual Violence Amidst War

With an increasing number of Ukrainian women beginning to speak out about experiences of sexual violence amid the ongoing war, societal stigma once keeping them silent is slowly being dismantled. The efforts by survivors, including three determined women leading awareness initiatives, represent a shift in addressing this painful aspect of the conflict in Ukraine.

In the pressing backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, an emerging movement among Ukrainian women is shedding light on the harrowing issue of sexual violence experienced during the conflict. Thousands of women are believed to have suffered sexual assault by Russian soldiers, yet many had remained silent due to societal stigma, especially in rural and conservative areas of Ukraine. However, this dynamic appears to be shifting.

Liudmyla, a 77-year-old former teacher, stands as a beacon of resilience in her village in the Kherson region. Last summer, she spoke openly before a gathering of women about her traumatic experiences under occupation, marking a significant moment in the fight against silence surrounding sexual violence. “What I went through,” she recounted, “I was beaten, I was raped, but I am still living thanks to these people.”

Together with fellow survivors Tetyana, 61, and Alisa Kovalenko, 37, Liudmyla has been orchestrating village meetings aimed at raising awareness of conflict-related sexual violence. These gatherings represent one of the first substantial efforts in Ukraine to discuss openly the widespread occurrences of sexual assault during the war. While official reports indicate that prosecutors have over 344 documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence since February 2022, the actual number of victims is likely much higher, as social pressures discourage many from coming forward.

Kovalenko has been vocal about her experience since she was assaulted in 2014 during earlier conflicts with Russian-backed separatists. Her openness contrasts with the more reticent stance of many women, for whom the fear of societal judgment remains a powerful barrier against reporting their assaults.

The cultural backdrop of Ukraine, heavily influenced by conservative and religious values, has long perpetuated stigma surrounding sexual violence, particularly in rural communities. This stigma not only silences survivors but also fosters a culture of shame around the topic of assault.

Yet as more women step forward, empowered by the courage of pioneers like Liudmyla and Tetyana, a gradual shift in societal attitudes may be realized. The effort to create spaces for dialogue and healing is crucial, transforming personal trauma into a collective voice demanding recognition and justice for all victims of the war’s brutalities. The story and strength of these women serve not only as testimony to their resilience but as a rallying call for a broader recognition of the atrocities occurring under the specter of conflict.