A New Start: An 18-month long journey from hurt to healing

After Russia’s full-scale invasion began, 37-year-old Lavra* and her 13-year-old son, Anton, had to flee their home in a small industrial town in eastern Ukraine. However, they were not only escaping from the war.
"This has been an absolute horror," says Lavra, as she recounts her life during the initial weeks of the full-scale war in Ukraine. "Not only due to the missiles raining down on our city, but also because of the dreadful and abusive relationship with my former husband, which deeply affected my son and me. There was no way we could stay. We simply had to leave."
After their flight to western Ukraine with only two suitcases containing the most necessary belongings, Lavra and Anton found temporary shelter in an apartment in Uzhhorod. The place had very poor air circulation, and Anton's medical condition, already weakened by lung problems, deteriorated significantly.
Like many other internally displaced people, they went to the "Owl's Nest" – a local reception point that served as a 'one-stop-shop' for displaced people residing in the centre of Uzhhorod. It was here that they met social workers from UNHCR's local NGO partner, Nehemiah, and received psychosocial counselling. They shared with Nehemiah their most pressing need – finding a place to stay.

Liudmyla Kohana, the gender-based violence (GBV) response team leader of Nehemiah, vividly remembers Lavra. "There was an enormous influx of IDPs arriving in Uzhhorod from regions affected by the war. However, Lavra stood out with her remarkable energy and willingness to confront difficulties," she recalls.

After conducting a search among local volunteer organizations, the staff of Nehemiah found another apartment for the family. It was sparsely furnished, so the NGO provided the family with items such as mattresses, pillows, bed linen, blankets, towels, and a kitchen set. Since the weather was cold, they also brought warm clothes and a heater to ensure Lavra and Anton were warm and comfortable.
"When Liudmyla and her colleagues left, and we were alone in our new apartment, I just sat and cried; I was so happy and grateful for all the support provided to me," said Lavra. "Their support gave me so much strength and the feeling that I am not left alone with my problems."
In the following months, with continuous support from Nehemiah, Lavra and Anton received health and psychosocial support. Nehemiah  also enrolled her son in a recreational summer camp as part of the recovery process.
Lavra was in the process of seeking legal aid for childcare and support, and Nehemiah facilitated this through consultative appointments with legal advisors.
Liudmyla Kohana says that the NGO has an established approach when it comes to working with GBV survivors. “As a first step, it is necessary to ensure that those who have experienced gender-based violence have a safe place to stay where they feel protected and can heal their trauma, says Lyudmyla. “The next step is to build their confidence so they can go on with their lives and become self-sustainable.”
Thanks to these services, Lavra was able to return to work and advance professionally. However, the family had numerous needs and Lavra needed a better-paying job. Nehemiah referred her to BOHA (pronounced VONA) Hub, which is a centre that provides specialized services and economic empowerment for women in Uzhhorod city, supported by UNFPA and UNHCR.
Through regular training workshops, and individual counselling, Lavra expanded her knowledge that led to a job promotion.

Today, Lavra and Anton live in a safe place. Lavra continues to work in Uzhhorod city, and her son’s health has improved. He now attends school, successfully completed the school year and is moving on to the next grade.
UNHCR and its partner organizations work with GBV survivors across Ukraine within the scope of our protection work for displaced and other war-affected people and their families.
“In the face of ongoing war and forced displacement in Ukraine, UNHCR and its partner organizations (Nehemiah is one of five GBV partners) stand united in their commitment to preventing and addressing gender-based violence. As we confront the numerous challenges brought about by the war and displacement, our collective efforts are prioritized around supporting those who have been subjected to GBV and ensuring their safety and empowerment. Our interventions span protection, prevention, response, and recovery, with a focus on building resilience and fostering a supportive environment for survivors,” explains Ruth Kirui, UNHCR GBV Officer.

UNHCR’s response mechanisms are centred on ensuring that GBV survivors receive the assistance they need promptly and with sensitivity. Trained personnel of UNHCR’s partner NGOs, such as Nehemiah, work tirelessly to establish confidential and survivor-centred services, encompassing psychosocial case management and legal aid. It is also important to maintain safe and ethical spaces for survivors to share their stories, seek help, and find solace.
“We recognize the importance of coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders. By working closely with national, regional, and local authorities, civil society organizations, women-led organizations, and humanitarian partners, we aim to strengthen the referral pathways that link survivors to essential services. Together, we strive for a coherent, streamlined approach that maximizes impact and minimizes gaps in our collective response,” explains Ruth Kirui further.
UNHCR and its local partners' GBV response is possible thanks to the generous support of our steadfast donors like the Government of Austria (Austrian Development Cooperation).
*Names and other key details were changed to ensure the protection of the family.