Beyond the Visible: Stories of Women Surviving Violence

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Every day, dozens of women receive support from the East SOS Charity Foundation – in the Zatyshno psychosocial and legal support spaces, during field visits to remote communities, in temporary housing facilities, and at transit centers where people first arrive after evacuation. Most women initially seek help with issues related to displacement, unemployment, or depression, but these requests often conceal deeper problems. Sometimes, during conversations, our specialists learn that a client is experiencing psychological or physical violence from someone close to her. In such cases, East SOS provides comprehensive and urgent assistance.

There is no justification for violence. Today, and every day, it is vital to speak openly about what violence looks like, stand up for women’s rights, raise awareness, and create spaces where every woman can safely share her story without fear of judgment or harm, knowing she will be protected and supported.

Every year from November 25 to December 10, Ukraine joins the global 16 Days Against Violence campaign. On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we are sharing the stories of women who received support from East SOS specialists across different programs and locations – in psychosocial spaces, during field visits, in temporary accommodation, and at transit centers.

These are stories of violence that often remains unseen. Violence that must never be ignored.

*all names have been changed for safety reasons

Mariia brought her son to one of our psychosocial and legal support spaces, Zatyshno Space, attending workshops and meeting with teachers. Later, she reached out to our lawyers seeking guidance on divorce, alimony, and permission to travel abroad. During consultations, Mariia shared that she had been experiencing psychological violence from her husband for a long time: humiliation, devaluation, insults, and systematic gossip – often in front of their child. The foundation’s lawyer advised her on the next steps to ensure her safety and legal protection. After another incident at home, when her husband physically abused her, Mariia called the police. Unfortunately, law enforcement misunderstood the situation and filed a report against her for making a false call. Her husband began threatening her, saying the next time “it would be worse.” With support from a specialist at East SOS, Mariia successfully appealed the police’s actions. Today, she and her child are living separately from her husband, and our legal team continues to support her with the alimony case.

Tetiana, evacuated from the frontline, lived in one of the temporary shelters. Our specialists soon noticed her timidity and emotional distress. During consultations, they learned that, in addition to suffering from a stroke and recurrent epileptic seizures, she had been abused by her daughter and son-in-law. Her daughter had stolen her bank card, controlled her finances, and even prevented her from evacuating when the city became too dangerous. Once Tetiana finally managed to leave, she repeatedly said: “Take me somewhere far away!” She was anxious, afraid of being turned back. Thanks to psychological support, Tetiana’s state improved – she began to smile and plan for the future. With help from our specialists, she reissued her bank card and obtained a new passport. Now, Tetiana is awaiting the opportunity to go abroad, far from her offenders.

Viktoriia sought psychological support because she was struggling with her relationships and suffering from low self-esteem. During counseling sessions with East SOS specialists, she revealed that she had been systematically sexually abused by a close relative in her childhood. The foundation’s psychologists accompanied Viktoriia throughout her healing process, helping her overcome trauma, restore self-esteem, and rebuild a healthy self-perception.

Olena and her husband contacted the foundation’s lawyers after being forced to relocate due to the war. They sought guidance on restoring access to their children, as the children’s service had temporarily deprived them of this right. During the consultation, specialists learned that Olena had previously stayed in a crisis room, a safe space for survivors of domestic violence, and had already reported her husband’s abusive actions to the police. Her husband had dismissed the incident as “just a simple quarrel”, and Olena had later withdrawn her statement. Human rights specialists advised Olena on further steps regarding her children, potential divorce, alimony, and provided contacts for psychological support. Although she has not yet decided to divorce her abuser, Olena remains in contact with the foundation’s specialists.

Alina, a young woman experiencing anxiety and depression, turned to the foundation’s psychologists for help. During consultations, it became clear that violence was systematic in her family: her husband used physical punishment to “educate” the children and applied continuous psychological pressure on her. Alina received psychological support and guidance on recognizing the forms of violence and learning how to protect herself.

Nataliia reached out to the foundation seeking employment guidance and opportunities to attract investment for a business. During the conversation, specialists learned that she had been subjected to psychological and economic abuse in her family due to her lack of independent income. Her divorce process was long and complicated, but eventually concluded successfully. Today, Nataliia is employed, raising her children independently, and receives child support.

Anastasiia, a young mother, approached East SOS for assistance with divorce and alimony from her military husband, who did not provide financial support or participate in raising their child. At the same time, she revealed that her parents were applying psychological pressure, opposing her marriage from the beginning. Anastasiia is currently financially dependent on her parents. The foundation continues to support her.

Experts note that family cases often reveal hidden facts of violence that victims may try to conceal.

Danger sometimes comes from where you least expect it – from loved ones who cause pain. Whether physical or psychological, visible or hidden, isolated or systematic, every detail matters to understand the context, though none are required to prove that violence occurred.

The voices of all women victims must be heard, and perpetrators must be held accountable. Today and always.

If you are experiencing any form of violence and need help, contact the East SOS Hotline: 0800 332 614 (Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–6 PM) or via Viber: +38 099 710 48 72 or Telegram: +38 096 108 60 48.

You can also visit one of our Safe Space locations:

• Vinnytsia: 19 Vasyl Poryk Street (Room 72), +38 (095) 877 26 36;
• Zaporizhzhia: 3 Pivdennoukraiinska Street (near Myr Street), +38 (097) 021 41 53;
• Mykolaiv: 79-A Marko Kropyvnytskyi Street, +38 (099) 790 00 70;
• Kharkiv: 11 Hohol Street, +38 (097) 384 97 35.