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As conflict continues in Ukraine, the reality for women and girls enduring the war remains a relentless fight for survival in the ongoing conflict. After the outbreak of the full-scale invasion, Olha (name changed for safety reasons) took in her mother-in-law, then her husband departed for the front lines. But while the chaos of war-torn streets unfolded, her home offered no sanctuary, becoming instead another battleground of violence.
Olha’s mother-in-law began to beat her. “I could not defend myself,” Olha recounted. “It happened three times, and the fourth time she pushed me out of the apartment barefoot and undressed.” Olha was forced out of her home, robbed of her belongings and of the basic decency of clothing. It was then, guided by a neighbor’s advice, that she sought help from a UNFPA psychosocial support mobile team and found solace in a crisis shelter. "They didn’t judge me — they helped me. They gave me warmth, shelter, and they listened. It’s an incredible feeling when you realize there’s a place you can go," Olha shared.
With UNFPA’s support, Olha rebuilt her life and moved into an apartment with her sister, who had fled another frontline city. Her story is a grim reminder that domestic violence is a relentless cycle that must be broken. And it’s possible — with your support. In Ukraine, reports of partner abuse and domestic violence have surged by more than a third since the start of Russia's invasion. An estimated 2.4 million people, primarily women and girls, urgently require services both to prevent domestic violence and to support survivors. You can transform lives like Olha's. By sending a gift today, you enable us to provide essential services, shelters, and psychosocial support to the most vulnerable. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and foster a safe environment for every woman and girl in Ukraine and beyond.
Thank you for being a source of strength and compassion for women and girls in Ukraine. — USA for UNFPA |
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