In the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, a 77-year-old former high school teacher named Liudmyla has started a quiet yet significant movement. She has been conducting meetings in villages, sharing her experiences and the stories of other survivors to raise awareness about sexual violence amidst the Russian occupation. Liudmyla, along with Tetyana and Alisa Kovalenko, recounts how they were victims of abuse yet find strength in speaking out, encouraged by support groups like SEMA Ukraine. Despite the societal stigma, the true extent of such violence could be much higher than reported. Organizations such as SEMA Ukraine, founded by Iryna Dovhan, a survivor herself, offer critical support to survivors through psychological and other forms of rehabilitation. The movement, while initiating conversations and aiding survivors, also calls for accountability from perpetrators. Navigating trauma is described by Tetyana and Liudmyla as a complex process that requires community and understanding. Tetyana’s analogy of trauma being like sand in an hourglass underlines the importance of addressing it to prevent it from building up and causing harm. The initiative by these women not only challenges societal norms but also aims to bring to light the invisible scars of conflict, hoping to foster a future where survivors can find justice and healing.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/15/world/europe/ukraine-women-sexual-violence-war.html