Russian soldiers raped six-year-old girl in front of her mother: One among the 230 known incidents of sexual violence

In the darkness of war with Russia, Ukrainian women are reportedly grappling with the haunting memories of brutal sexual assaults perpetrated by Russian soldiers. These heinous acts, designed to inflict psychological and physical devastation, follow a disturbing pattern that includes rape in front of family members. In a report by the Daily Mail, one such victim named Nataliya recounted the horrifying night when Russian soldiers invaded her home, subjecting her to a traumatic ordeal. Pinned to the bed at gunpoint, she fought to protect her six-year-old daughter, only to witness the soldiers rape her too. Thirty minutes away, Maria’s house became a scene of terror as Russian soldiers broke down her door. Slurring their words, they subjected her to repeated rape while her neighbors’ screams echoed in the background. That night, the soldiers reportedly raped all women in the entire street of Kyiv region leaving them traumatised by their vicious acts, according to report. In Kharkiv, a mother faced hours of rape by a Russian officer in an abandoned classroom while her teenage son was forced to watch. In another such incident, several drunk soldiers dragged woman named Anastasiya into an abandoned home. Desperate to survive for her daughter hiding in the basement, she endured the soldiers’ rape, staring at a bookshelf, dissociating from the unbearable reality. Russian soldiers employ sexual violence as a weapon to destroy individuals psychologically and physically, explains Anna Orel, a project coordinator at the Andreiev Family Foundation’s Assisto project. The aim is to humiliate and intimidate women and their families, leaving victims scarred for life. Russian soldiers frequently commit rapes in front of husbands and children, creating a generational trauma that lingers. The psychological impact extends beyond the survivors, with husbands often burdened by guilt for their inability to protect their wives. This tactic is part of a broader strategy to instill fear and trauma for generations to come. Anastasiya, among those seeking help, endured a nightmarish assault in an abandoned home. The soldiers’ threats to her daughter’s safety silenced her protests, and the trauma continues to affect her daily life. Many survivors, like Anastasiya, find it difficult to eat, sleep, or maintain a routine due to persistent flashbacks. The conservative societal stigma surrounding rape in Ukraine forces many survivors into silence. The fear of judgment and shame prevents countless women from reporting the crimes, perpetuating a cycle of underreported cases. As per a report, the Assisto Project, led by Anna Orel, strives to break this stigma and support survivors on their difficult journey to healing. While Ukraine’s prosecutor’s office acknowledges 230 reported cases of sexual violence by Russian soldiers, experts believe the true number is significantly higher due to underreporting fueled by stigma and fear. The systematic nature of these crimes, coupled with occupied territories, contributes to the underrepresentation of reported cases. Seeking justice for survivors, however, poses immense challenges. The International Criminal Court (ICC) may play a role in holding high-level perpetrators accountable, but the process is complex and time-consuming. Ukrainian prosecutors now collaborate with psychologists to encourage more survivors to come forward and share their experiences. The psychological scars inflicted by wartime rape may persist for generations, warns Anna Orel. Russian soldiers, she asserts, aim not only to destroy individuals but entire families by subjecting them to unspeakable horrors. As Ukrainian women, men, and children grapple with the lasting impact of wartime rape, the efforts of organizations like the Assisto Project provide a glimmer of hope. Survivors, supported by psychologists and legal advocates, bravely share their stories, challenging the silence imposed by the perpetrators. The road to justice is arduous, but the determination to shed light on these atrocities remains unwavering.