Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Ukraine: challenges and response in frontline and displaced communities
Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Ukraine: challenges and response in frontline and displaced communities
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world, including in Ukraine. The Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022 has significantly increased the risk of women and girls being exposed to GBV in its various forms.
The economic instability, displacement, deterioration of the security situation and the impact on mental health have all contributed to the increased risk of intimate partner violence, conflict-related sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking, and harassment.
An estimated 2.5 million internally displaced people, returnees, and other war-affected people are at high risk of GBV, including conflict-related sexual violence, and are in need of immediate and continuous lifesaving GBV prevention, risk mitigation, and response action across Ukraine.
Since 2022, UNHCR has worked with five national NGO partners – as well as with sister UN Agencies, government authorities and civil society organizations to help prevent, mitigate, and respond to GBV in 16 regions across Ukraine.
War-torn front-line communities
In Slovyansk, Donetsk region, just 20 kilometers from the frontline, case manager from UNHCR’s NGO partner ‘The Tenth of April’, Roksolana, witnesses firsthand the struggles of frontline communities. The prolonged war takes a heavy psychological toll on families, with stress and frustration often leading to aggression and violence that impacts the most vulnerable.
“The proximity of the frontline has exacerbated the challenges: due to constant security threats and high unemployment, people are under immense stress and often feel hopeless, which leads to alcohol abuse, disrupting family relations and creating violence,” explains Roksolana.
Roksolana, a case manager of UNHCR’s NGO partner ‘The Tenth of April,’ works to create a supportive environment where every woman, regardless of age or social status, can access the resources needed to protect her rights and well-being.
This atmosphere of despair not only puts a strain on families but also leaves those who remain in the city—primarily older people and those with low-mobility —exposed to even greater risks of different forms of violence.
“As of November, more than 50,000 people remain in Slovyansk. Of course, there are different age groups, but the majority are older and low-mobility people. I observe cases of violence among women over the age of 60 who suffer from different forms of GBV. Most often, women undergo economic and psychological abuses, but the cases of physical violence are also happening,” shares Roksolana.
IDP influx and rooted stereotypes
In Zakarpattia region, the case manager of UNHCR’s NGO partner ‘Nehemiah’, Lyudmila, observes how the increase of internally displaced people has intensified the existing challenges with gender-based violence.
“People from across Ukraine, with different professions, ages, and needs, are brought together in one place. Many live in overcrowded spaces, struggling to adapt to new environments while coping with trauma from the war. This often leads to tensions, and minor conflicts can evolve into incidents of domestic violence. Psychological abuse has become overwhelmingly common in these settings, underscoring the complex correlation of individual and community pressures,” says Lyudmila.
Lyudmila, a caseworker of UNHCR partner the NGO 'Nehemiah,' supports both IDPs and local residents across all communities in Zakarpattia region.
Lyudmila also highlights complexities around stereotypes and patriarchal traditions, which can deter some people from seeking help in order not to expose the family and taint its reputation.
“People rely too much on what their neighbors could think and say, so it is a common practice to build the image of a perfect happy family. I know cases when mothers who suffer from domestic violence themselves tell their daughters to endure hardships in marriage because it’s their duty as wives,” explains Lyudmila.
This traditional perception, coupled with stressors such as economic strain and fears related to military conscription, has further exacerbated family tensions.
Prevention, risk mitigation and response
Recognizing these challenges, UNHCR and its partners, including the Ministry of Social Policy, have scaled up efforts to conduct immediate and continuous GBV-prevention, risk mitigation, and response action across Ukraine. Initiatives include survivor-centered case management, capacity building for local organizations, and targeted interventions to mitigate GBV risks in collective sites, hosting internally displaced people.
In 2024 alone, 16,031 people (80% women) received information on GBV services, referrals, and preventive action and more than 1,000 people were supported with targeted GBV response services, for case management, and other specialized services.
“Information sessions are a key part of our work. Through training and informational sessions, we explain to people what their rights and responsibilities are, and make it clear that no one should tolerate violence. Many survivors approach us directly, either during the session or later by phone. We offer comprehensive support, guiding them through the process of seeking help and ensuring they receive all the necessary services that they are willing to go through,” says Lyudmila in Zarkapattia region.
“An effective solution is a comprehensive approach, where psychological support, legal counselling and career consultations enable women to realize their value and gradually come to an important decision to change their lives. For many, the positive experience of successfully leaving dangerous conditions and starting a new life is the first step towards restoring dignity, strength and independence,” adds case manager Roksolana, working in Donetsk region.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of gender-based violence, support is available. For information on how to get help, please visit UNHCR’s GBV Help Page.
