Psychosocial Support for Women, Girls, and Program Staff
In response to the full-scale russian invasion, East SOS launched a network of safe spaces known as Zatyshno space to provide critical psychosocial and legal support for women and girls, especially those who are internally displaced—a group that accounts for nearly 80% of all visitors.
Many women seeking support at the centers have experienced gender-based violence and faced challenges integrating into new communities, taken on full caregiving responsibilities for children and elderly relatives, and encountered barriers in employment, social reintegration, and mental health recovery.
The project is expanding the reach and range of services, applying a trauma-informed, “do no harm” approach. It includes:
- Self-help groups and peer support
- Individual and group counseling sessions
- Skills development and capacity-building activities
Services Offered in Safe Spaces:
- Psychological counseling (individual and group)
- Legal support and case management
- Language courses and employment training
- Art therapy and creative workshops
- Sports and physical wellness activities
- Community-building events
- Individual psychosocial counseling for women and girls
- Development of informational materials on GBV prevention
- Trainings for women and girls on GBV prevention
- Individual and group supervision for program staff
- Career guidance and professional development for women and girls
- Networking meetings with local NGOs
June 2024 – January 2025
Internally displaced women and girls and specialists of the Safe Space “Zatyshno space” in Vinnytsia and Mykolaiv
Ukraine
Information Materials on Gender-Based Violence Prevention
As part of the psychosocial support program, East SOS developed a brochure titled “Safety for Everyone. How to Recognize Violence and Dare to Change”. What You’ll Find in the Brochure:
- Clear definitions of violence in its various forms: physical, psychological, economic, and sexual
- Real-life examples of gender-based violence (GBV), including subtle forms often overlooked in everyday life
- A section on harmful stereotypes that normalize or justify violence — and how to challenge them
Download the information brochure for Mykolaiv here
Download the information brochure for Vinnytsia here
Roadmap: “Safety for Everyone. What to Do If You Are a Survivor of Violence”. What’s Inside:
- Contacts of Support Services
- Phone numbers and addresses of trusted organizations that provide emergency and ongoing assistance
- Safety Tips
- Guidance on how to act in critical or threatening situations and steps to protect yourself and those around you
- Legal Advice
- An overview of your rights as a survivor and information on how and where to receive free legal aid.
- Psychological Support
- A list of services offering emotional and psychological assistance in your city, including contacts for counseling centers and crisis support
Download the roadmap with Mykolaiv-specific contacts here
Download the roadmap for other regions of Ukraine here
Donors
