Executions, rape, and torture are reportedly being used against civilians in areas under Russian control since Russia first launched its invasion of neighboring country Ukraine on Feb. 24.
The scale of sexual violence is starting to come to light. As Russian forces have withdrawn from towns and suburbs in order to refocus efforts in other parts of the country, especially in the areas around Kyiv, women and girls have come forward to detail the immense suffering they were forced to endure at the hands of Russian soldiers.
Gang rapes, sexual assaults at gunpoint, and rapes committed in front of children are among grim testimonies piling up by investigators.
Survivors of rape have detailed atrocities to police, media, and human rights organizations.
Experts have said that rape is a massively underreported crime and a stigmatized issue, even in peaceful times, and that they are worried that what will be reported in Ukraine is actually only the “tip of the iceberg.”
Rape and sexual assault are both war crimes, and a breach of international humanitarian law.
Ukraine’s prosecutor general and the International Criminal Court have said that they will open investigations into reports of rape and sexual violence. But this is being seen by many as a far-off possibility of justice and is doing little to quell fears.
Organizations are working online and locally on the ground to distribute information about support for victims of sexual violence, including medical, legal, and psychological support.
La Strada Ukraine is a charity that supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and trafficking. President Kateryna Cherepakha said that they have had calls to energy hotlines from women and girls needing assistance, but it is nearly impossible to help them physically because they cannot be reached due to fighting.
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