Ever since the start of the war in Ukraine, there has been an increase in domestic abuse and violence against women, brought about by both significant others and Russian soldiers during the occupation. Since many victims do not have relatives or friends with whom they stay with, they and their children are often left traumatized and desperately in need of care.
In the Kyiv region of Ukraine, there are currently five shelters set up to house women who have suffered from assault. Here, they can live for free and take time to recover and rest for one to three months with their kids. The shelters aren’t marked on maps but are secretly disclosed at church by pastors to women in need. The location is classified in order to ensure their safety.
The ultimate purpose of these shelters is to bring emotional, psychological and spiritual healing to women and children and to help them start a new life. They can accommodate up to 15 people and provide women with free access to teachers and psychologists as well as help in finding jobs. Lawyers are also available if they need helping filing a lawsuit or filing for divorce or alimony payments for children.The women do their own household chores, cooking, cleaning and washing.
Since the structures aren’t funded by the government, our local partners decided to take on the responsibility of upgrading some of these shelters in order to better serve women who have experienced abuse and hardship.
Alongside our local partner, GAiN helped fund a playground for the children, a new fence to ensure the safety of the women living in the shelter and a gazebo for conversations held outside in the fresh air. Since the shelters have limited rooms, the gazebo serves as an alternative space for important conversations or meetings with a psychologist.
It is our hope that these shelters and their new structures provide not just a safe haven, but also a crucial support system for women and children in need of healing after enduring violence and trauma. Our team at GAiN remains committed to empowering and restoring hope to those affected by the horrors of war.
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