4 minutes of counseling for a woman in need in Ukraine

There has been war in eastern Ukraine since 2014. Around 2.7 million people live on both sides of the conflict line that runs between Ukrainian government troops and pro-Russian separatists. 2 million of them are women, children and elderly people, whose everyday lives are made difficult by numerous checkpoints and a lack of basic services (Amnesty International, 2020). There is a lack of vital services such as health care and social facilities. The longer the conflict lasts, the more violence becomes socially accepted - and this is often directed against women. One in three women say they have experienced or witnessed sexualized violence in war, and even more women are affected by domestic violence (Besohl & House, 2020). They suffer from anxiety disorders, panic attacks and a feeling of massive helplessness. In addition, women are poorly informed about their rights. They rarely know what legal options they have or where they can find protection. Many live in poverty and have little room for maneuver. In such a context, it is almost impossible for a woman who is a victim of violence to receive protection and help. This is precisely why the professional advice provided by our team is so essential. It offers women a much-needed safe space and the chance to take control of their own lives again.