Support Survivors of Sexual Violence in Ukraine

Dear Friend of Sylni foundation,
Thank you so much for your generosity!

In our second report, we would like to provide an update on how the remaining 3,237.28 USD has been directed toward rehabilitation programs, continuing to help survivors regain dignity, cope with trauma, and rebuild their lives.

Thanks to you 28 people, who are survivors of sexual violence, either in civilian life or during russian captivity, have already received essentian support through your donations.

27 of them began psychological recovery, and completed 73 hours of trauma-focused therapy and several crisis consultations. These sessions provided a space where survivors, many of them for the first time, could begin to speak openly and regain a sense of safety. The cost of psychological support for these beneficiaries amounted to 2362.46USD.

Dental treatment (819.93 USD) was provided to one survivor of sexual violence. As a result of the trauma caused by war-related sexual violence, the survivor experienced serious dental health issues that required urgent care. Access to dental services addressed immediate medical needs and helped restore physical comfort, self-confidence, and overall well-being as part of the recovery process.

Legal consultation was provided to 1 survivor of war-related sexual violence committed by russian soldier. The cost of legal assistance amounted to 92,46 USD.

All beneficiaries underwent an individual assessment of their condition and needs, and the assistance was provided according to recommendations from specialized professionals. Special attention was devoted to maintaining a safe, ethical, and empathetic environment where each person receives high-quality care without judgment, pressure, or re-traumatization. Thanks to your support, these survivors have begun their recovery journey with professional assistance. With access to psychological and legal help, they are gradually restoring a sense of safety, control, and trust in others. This progress marks an important first step toward rebuilding their lives, a step made possible through your contribution.

3,237.28 USD was fully allocated to provide this assistance to survivors. The total cost of the support amounted to 3,274.85 USD, with the small difference covered through our additional fundraising efforts. We are guided by the principle that every survivor of sexual violence deserves comprehensive, uninterrupted support tailored to their needs.

A few rehabilitation stories:

• A 52-year-old woman from Chernihiv region survived war-related sexual violence during the temporary occupation in 2024. At the time, her husband was serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and she remained alone in her community. The violence was accompanied by humiliation and psychological pressure related to her husband’s military service. She had been under psychiatric supervision since 2014 due to a pre-existing mental health condition; following the assault, her condition significantly deteriorated, with intensified anxiety and depressive symptoms, intrusive memories, sleep disturbances, persistent feelings of danger, and social withdrawal. After a comprehensive psychiatric reassessment, she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sylni provided a series of individual psychotherapy sessions (crisis stabilization and trauma-focused work), regular psychiatric consultations with medication adjustment, full coverage of prescribed medication, and psychoeducation to support restoration of daily functioning. As a result, the intensity of PTSD symptoms has gradually decreased, sleep has stabilized, emotional regulation has improved, and she has resumed social activity.

• A 38-year-old civilian man from Kherson survived war-related sexual violence during unlawful detention in captivity. After his release, he sought assistance from Sylni reporting insomnia, heightened anxiety, intrusive memories, irritability, communication difficulties, and psychosomatic complaints. During captivity, he was also subjected to physical violence, which severely damaged his teeth and required extensive dental treatment. A psychiatric assessment confirmed a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sylni provided individual psychological support (stabilization and trauma-focused therapy), regular psychiatric consultations with medication, and full funding for dental treatment. As a result, anxiety symptoms and intrusive memories have decreased, sleep has improved, and completion of the primary phase of dental treatment has positively impacted his overall well-being and social confidence. Rehabilitation support is ongoing.

Thank you for your kindness and support!

Sincerely,

Sylni’s team