A young mother, five children trailer, comes out of a train in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, holding a small bag. They flee Russian attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region, she also escapes a violent partner, a man who once beaten her that she suffered a miscarriage.
She needs urgent medical care, legal aid and a safe place for her children. “We met her at the station,” said Tetiana, a psychologist in a mobile team since 2022. “We have also organized a medical escort and lawyers to help her documents and references.”
Trauma, distress and increase in domestic violence
The tetiana unit is one of the 87 Unfpa Psychosocial support teams, on call for emergency interventions. It can also refer to survivors in longer term assistance, vocational training and access to legal aid. These resources remain essential for abuse survivors long after the success of the initial danger – especially in a country where three years of war have caused generalized trauma and deep psychological distress.
Since the large -scale invasion of Russia three years ago Violence between intimate partners, domestic violence, sexual violence and other forms of gender -based violence have increased More triple in Ukraine. It is estimated that 2.4 million people – mainly women and girls – have an urgent need for prevention and response services of sexist violence. “Even after finding some physical security in Dnipro, many have trouble with persistent panic attacks, nightmares and depressive symptoms,” said Tetiana.
UNFPA’s mobile psychosocial support teams are often the first to respond to cases of sexist violence after the police.
Almost two thirds Households in Ukraine declare dealing with a certain form of anxiety, depression or extreme stress, thwarting the ability of people to find work or take care of family members. Financial difficulties, Mass use lossesThe death of dear beings and fears of future attacks only intensify their distress. Without appropriate advice and care, the trauma cycle can also be transmitted to future generations, risking long -term and wider damage to the community
Surviving is only the beginning
Roman joined the Dnipro team as a social worker in April 2022, organizing coordination with social services and public organizations. “We have built a system of response to security and support of people,” he said, explaining that they are often the first to respond to cases of sexist violence after the police. “”We are a kind of ambulance for gender -based incidents of violence. “”
These services are essential, in particular for women without income or stable housing, because the war has put a lot at risk of economic exploitation or renewed violence.
“Many people think that surviving the initial threat is the end of history,” Tetiana added. “But real healing only begins once they are physically safe. Without psychosocial support, it is difficult for them to recover from a trauma or to prevent more damage. »»
Tetiana has worked as a psychologist of the UNFPA mobile psychosocial support team in Dnipro since the beginning of 2022.
In crisis circles, the risk of violence against women and girls intensifies – including sexual violence related to conflicts – and the demand for protection services and response services. However, as displaced women often lack social networks to turn to and are stigmatized if they report abuses, the police can request the support of the mobile team on site to coordinate other interventions, such as housing or safe advice.
Health agents under fire
It is a situation heavy with danger, and the response workers can be criticized. “When we arrive on attack sites or in case of violence. We don’t have time to slow down, “said Roman. “We pass immediately and start to provide services. It is as if our own reactions are pending. It is only later, when we look back and discuss it, we realize how difficult it was. »»
Since February 2022, the World Health Organization has been confirmed Over 2,200 attacks On health establishments, services and staff in Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Last year, more than 300 of these affected medical establishments – a triple increase compared to 2023.
Although his work was critical, Roman said it had consequences. “With each bombardment, he accumulates – one after the other. Depending on the severity of the damage, you feel it differently each time. But for the most part, we remain focused on what to be done, by putting our feelings aside on the spot. Then, once the immediate crisis has been managed, we turn to our own support networks and treat everything. »»
Why these services must last
Since 2022, more than 50 of the UNFPA mobile psychosocial teams have been funded by the American government and play an essential role in helping the most vulnerable in Ukraine. “City services work, but they don’t have the same impact and the same range. This is why mobile teams are essential, especially in wartime, while we sail on the wave of displaced people, “said Tetiana.
Women are fundamental to families’ resilience, labor and the wider community of Ukraine, but they have suffered immense suffering over the years of conflict. Make sure they are supported throughout their personal recovery will be crucial to safeguard the long -term recovery of Ukraine.
With uncertainty now surrounding Financing for humanitarian work All over the world, the continuity of this vital work is threatened. 640,000 women and girls will be assigned by cuts to psychosocial support, sexist violence services, safe spaces and economic empowerment programs. The protection of refugees and communities affected by the crisis will be reduced.
The essential health services to prevent and respond to gender -based violence, support for organizations led by women and programs promoting the economic empowerment of women are in danger of closure – seriously endangering the security and well -being of millions of people.