In the quiet villages of the Kherson region, a thunderous change is occurring. A 77-year-old former high school teacher, known as Liudmyla, stands as a beacon of courage among a group of women as they discuss the horrors of sexual violence linked to the ongoing war. "What I went through," Liudmyla shares, her voice trembling, "I was beaten, I was raped, but I am still living thanks to these people."
In an effort to confront the pervasive silence surrounding assault, Liudmyla, along with fellow survivors Tetyana, 61, and Alisa Kovalenko, 37, have begun organizing meetings to bring attention to the issue of conflict-related sexual violence. This initiative marks a significant first in discussing the traumatic experiences inflicted on Ukrainian women amid the Russian invasion.
The women, who have chosen to protect their identities, have shared their accounts of sexual assault, a topic delicately shrouded in stigma across Ukraine's conservative landscape, particularly in rural areas. Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, prosecutors have documented over 344 cases of sexual violence associated with the war, including 220 involving women and 16 minors.
The complexity of societal perceptions around sexual assault has prevented many women from stepping forward to share their experiences. The deeply religious and conservative fabric of Ukrainian society often views such cases with extreme reluctance and shame. Yet, thanks to the bravery of voices like Liudmyla's, the discourse is beginning to shift, allowing for healing and a stronger community amongst survivors.
