[1][2] It was not recognized during Soviet era, but in recent decades the issue became an important topic of discussion in Ukrainian society and among academic scholars.
stated that Ukrainian women living in the conflict zone were at significant risk due to weak law enforcement, high concentration of military groups and proliferation of weapons.
[5] In 2015, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern about the rapidly worsening situation with violence against women in Ukraine.
[11] The recorded data also demonstrates that the observed incidence of sexual violence against women is strongly underestimated due to a combined influence of tradition and personal shame.
It comes up as a result of many factors including the impoverishment of significant part of population, soft pornography widely used by Ukrainian mass media to catch an attention of customers, and so on.
Statistical data reported by NGOs in 2000 state that up to one third of young jobless Ukrainian women have been involved to some degree in illegal sex business activities.
[20] As of August 2022, Article 152 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine states: 'Note: Consent shall be deemed voluntary if it is the result of a person's free act and deed, with due account of attending circumstances.
'[21] Article 152(1) stipulates: 'Committing sexual acts involving vaginal, anal or oral penetration into the body of another person using the genitals or any other item, without the voluntary consent of the victim (rape) – shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to five years.
Amidst these conditions, nearly 18 million Ukrainians are in dire need of aid, with human rights abuses, especially acts of sexual violence, increasing and necessitating urgent investigation and support for survivors.
It is critical for women to be included in decision-making processes related to conflict resolution, prevention, and peace-building to address the unique burdens they face and ensure comprehensive support and security for all affected individual.
A notable case is the city of Dnipro, which has become a central hub for individuals fleeing the fighting, where a relief center run by the government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided support to hundreds of survivors, predominantly women.