In the Kherson region, a group of brave women, including 77-year-old Liudmyla, are leading discussions on conflict-related sexual violence as survivors start to speak out against the stigma surrounding their trauma.
Voices Rising: Ukrainian Women Break Silence on Wartime Sexual Assault
Voices Rising: Ukrainian Women Break Silence on Wartime Sexual Assault
Increasingly, survivors of sexual violence during the Russia-Ukraine war are sharing their experiences, challenging stigma and seeking to raise awareness.
In the quiet villages of Kherson, southern Ukraine, a silent revolution is unfolding as survivors of sexual violence from the ongoing war are starting to break their silence. Among them is 77-year-old Liudmyla, who has bravely recounted her own traumatic experiences during Russian occupation. Standing in a tent surrounded by fellow women, she shared her story of brutality, reminding her audience of the resilience that comes from shared experience.
Now more than ever, the voices of survivors like Liudmyla, 61-year-old Tetyana, and 37-year-old Alisa Kovalenko are amplifying conversations about conflict-related sexual violence, an often-silenced tragedy resulting from the war. Their efforts have sparked village meetings across Kherson, aimed at raising awareness surrounding the severe issue of sexual assault against women during times of conflict.
Despite the widespread nature of these assaults—prosecutors in Ukraine have documented over 344 cases of conflict-related sexual violence, including 220 women and 16 underage girls—societal stigma has historically kept many survivors from coming forward. The deeply religious and conservative fabric of Ukrainian rural life looms heavily, creating an atmosphere of silence around issues of sexual assault.
These women, sharing their stories for perhaps the first time, highlight a growing recognition of the need to confront the horrific realities of war. Alisa, who has been outspoken about her own experience stemming from the earlier conflict with Russian-backed separatists in 2014, noted that the sharing of stories is essential for healing and for breaking the cycles of silence and shame.
As these brave women continue to advocate for awareness and change, they provide a critical lifeline for countless others who have suffered in silence, fostering a climate of support and understanding amid the devastating repercussions of war.
