Women fleeing the Russian war in Ukraine are facing significant challenges, including abuse, harassment, and exploitation, as indicated by a recent survey report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The findings reveal that one in four women has reported experiencing physical or sexual violence since the onset of the conflict. Several individuals have also described instances of physical or sexual humiliation at the hands of Russian forces during interrogations.
Moreover, the survey highlights that one in four women has received potentially exploitative proposals concerning work, housing, or transportation. Alarmingly, half of the respondents reported being physically or verbally attacked in the European Union for speaking Ukrainian.
The report provides recommendations for effectively addressing the needs of women who are victims of armed conflict, thereby enabling them to rebuild their lives. Since February 2022, approximately 2.5 million women and girls have fled the war in Ukraine and have received temporary protection within the EU, which includes access to residence and employment.
Titled “Seeking Safety from War – Violence and Related Human Rights Abuses Against Women from Ukraine,” the report offers a comprehensive examination of the experiences faced by these women, the risks encountered while fleeing the war, and their subsequent lives in the EU.
“The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has brought untold suffering to millions of people, including women fleeing the conflict. Seeking sanctuary in Europe should have brought solace. But despite the protections offered by the EU, many women suffer serious violations; others feel unsafe. EU Member States must ensure that women receive protection, support and justice for what they have endured so that they can rebuild their lives,” highlighted FRA Director Sirpa Rautio.
The findings highlight the trauma faced by women due to the ongoing conflict:
Abuse by Russian Forces: 10% of women interviewed by FRA were interrogated by Russian forces; 51% suffered physical humiliation, and 29% faced sexual humiliation.
Widespread Violence Against Women: Since the start of the Russian war, 25% of Ukrainian women have experienced physical or sexual violence. Additionally, 54% reported being attacked in the EU for speaking Ukrainian, leading to feelings of anxiety and vulnerability.
Sexual Harassment: 51% have experienced sexual harassment since the war began, with 23% harassed online. Only 3% reported these incidents to support organisations or victim services.
Risk of Exploitation: 24% encountered exploitative offers related to transport, housing, or jobs. Among working women, 36% were without contracts, and 24% were underpaid or unpaid.
Lack of Support: 10% felt unsafe in their accommodations, 79% struggled financially, and 27% lacked mental health services despite their rights to support.
Low Reporting Rates: Only 13% reported serious incidents of violence to police. Member States should encourage and facilitate the reporting of such crimes, including those involving international offences.
The report recommends that EU Member States enhance support for victims of armed conflict, particularly women fleeing the war in Ukraine. Key points include ensuring ongoing protection from gender-based violence, providing comprehensive assistance to minimise safety risks, and encouraging better reporting through appropriate police and public service responses.
Training for police and health professionals is essential to improve incident identification, investigation, and outreach to victims. Laws should be strengthened to prosecute all forms of violence against women and address cyber harassment in collaboration with digital service providers. Labour inspections should be intensified in sectors where newly arrived migrant women are at risk, with inspectors trained to identify exploitation.
This report is based on interviews with 1,223 women who fled Ukraine since 24 February 2022, conducted from March to June 2024 in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland.
