In Kharkiv, Ukraine, psychologist Olena Kuznietsova is part of a UNFPA-supported mobile psychosocial support team responding to gender-based violence. When the team arrived at a domestic violence scene, they encountered extreme aggression, and the survivor, Kateryna, was taken to safety.

Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, reports of violence, including domestic abuse, have surged, affecting an estimated 2.5 million people. UNFPA’s teams, initiated in 2015, now operate on the war’s front lines, providing mental and physical health support.

Kharkiv’s proximity to the front line means frequent bombings and extensive infrastructure damage, exacerbating stress and mental health issues. UNFPA, along with the Ukrainian Government, supports hotlines, shelters, and crisis rooms, having reached over 190,000 people from January to March 2024.

The teams also aid first responders, who face significant psychological strain. Despite challenges, community solidarity persists, with locals offering shelter to those in need. UNFPA reached over 80,000 people in early 2024, emphasizing the need for continued support for both survivors and frontline workers.

Source https://www.unfpa.org/news/emotional-cost-combating-gender-based-violence-front-line-ukraine