Ukrainian women continue to face gendered violence amidst war. Courtesy: Matteo Minasi of United Nations.
As of March 23, ABC news has revealed many women who live in Ukraine have begun to speak forward about the true horrors they have been experiencing currently.
Women recount how the destruction caused by the war has left many streets in darkness, with damaged buildings offering little safety or shelter.
In Kharkiv, a woman has spoken up despite their fear, commenting, “It’s dangerous everywhere. I’m afraid.” This statement highlights the emotional burden women are carrying in the environment they have been forced to endure.
In these conditions, some men have taken advantage of the chaos, preying on women who are simply trying to get by on their day. As a result, incidents of sexual assault in these areas have surged alarmingly.
Not only have women faced this threat of men in the streets, but now many live in fear within their own homes.
Many men in worldwide cultures believe that women are bound to submit, fueling a disturbing rise in domestic abuse and leaving countless women feeling unsafe even in what should be a place called “home.”
The report also highlights the immense challenges faced by women who try to escape these abusive situations, such as safe housing.
Countless women, often with their children, decide to leave, but in a society torn by war, these essentials are out of reach. As a result, many women turn towards their abusers, facing the painful reality that escape may take much longer.