Ukraine: Empowering communities to tackle gender-based violence
The ongoing war in Ukraine has exacerbated the critical issue of gender-based violence (GBV), with conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) emerging as one of its most harrowing manifestations. Displacement, weakened social structures, and the trauma of war have fuelled the spread of GBV, leaving survivors with limited access to justice, protection, and support.
To address these challenges, a Consortium led by the Danish Red Cross, in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council and Dignity, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, has implemented a vital initiative. This programme focuses on improving stakeholder coordination and building institutional capacity to tackle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and CRSV.
Engaging key actors such as law enforcement, prosecutors, and social services, the project aims to provide comprehensive support to survivors and prevent further violence.
The importance of fostering cooperation
Survivors of GBV often encounter fragmented and inadequate support systems, as various actors work in isolation. This lack of coordination delays assistance and aggravates the trauma survivors experience. Recognising this issue, the programme adopts a survivor-centred approach that prioritises collaboration among all sectors involved.
“As part of this initiative, training sessions were held in Kyiv and Lviv Oblasts, where police officers, community representatives, and psychologists practised responding to different stages of the violence cycle,” explains Veronika Kudlaienko, DRC Legal Officer.
The cycle of violence typically follows a predictable pattern: tension builds, an incident occurs, followed by a reconciliation period and temporary calm. Over time, this cycle shortens, with escalating violence and fewer reconciliation phases.
“Breaking this pattern requires a coordinated response involving multiple services working simultaneously. This is why we are focusing on building the institutional capacity of first responders,” adds Veronika.
During the training sessions, participants simulated scenarios such as the ‘explosion’ stage and the ‘reconciliation’ period, learning how to intervene effectively at each stage. A pivotal moment came when participants worked together to resolve a real case involving a child who had been a silent witness to violence, showcasing the power of a unified response.
The collaboration between police, child protection services, and psychologists highlighted the critical importance of unified efforts to support survivors and protect vulnerable individuals.
In 2024, nearly 100 professionals and stakeholders involved in sexual and gender-based violence response were engaged through training sessions conducted across Kyiv and Lviv Oblasts. These efforts highlight the programme's dedication to improving Ukraine’s response system and supporting survivors more effectively.
Human trafficking remains a silent issue, often underreported and amplified during crises, especially in wartime. “Traffickers prey on vulnerability, and the instability caused by war heightens these risks,” explains Veronika Kudlaienko.
Displacement, loss of livelihoods, and the breakdown of social structures create fertile ground for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals, including women, children, and men.
Timed with the International Day Against Trafficking, training sessions aimed to equip participants with the skills to identify and support trafficking survivors.
"We taught participants to recognise subtle warning signs and provide safe referrals while fostering collaboration with local and international organisations," says Veronika.
The sessions emphasised prevention through community awareness campaigns and close collaboration with at-risk populations. They also addressed the overlap between trafficking and GBV, highlighting the additional barriers survivors face, such as stigma, which often makes it harder for them to seek help.
"Trafficking often goes unnoticed, but by integrating anti-trafficking measures into GBV strategies, we create a more comprehensive support system," Veronika adds. These efforts aim to dismantle barriers and ensure survivors receive the help they need.
This kind of cooperation is essential for breaking down barriers and ensuring justice and care are accessible to everyone.
/ Veronika Kudlaienko, DRC Legal Officer
Addressing male survivors of sexual violence
The programme also brought much-needed attention to male survivors of sexual violence, a group often overlooked in GBV discussions. In collaboration with the Prosecutor General’s Office, specialised training sessions addressed this sensitive topic, engaging prosecutors, investigators, and case managers from the newly established Coordination Centre for the Support of Victims and Witnesses of War Crimes.
The Coordination Centre plays a crucial role in supporting survivors and aligning Ukraine's efforts with international standards for victim assistance.
“Male survivors face unique barriers, such as stigma and underreporting, which require a nuanced and survivor-centred approach,” explains Veronika.
The training sessions provided participants with strategies to handle cases with sensitivity, build trust, and ensure survivors feel safe throughout the justice process.
Topics included best practices for interviewing survivors, applying recent updates to Ukraine’s Criminal Code, and fostering collaboration between prosecutors and case managers to deliver holistic support.
"This kind of cooperation is essential for breaking down barriers and ensuring justice and care are accessible to everyone," Veronika concludes.
By addressing immediate gaps and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and effective system, the programme is helping to ensure no survivor is left behind.
Through collaboration, capacity-building, and targeted support for all survivors, the Consortium—led by the Danish Red Cross in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council and Dignity, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark—is strengthening a unified and responsive system that empowers communities to break the cycle of violence and ensure justice for those affected by SGBV and CRSV.
