Helping women during the war

You can find out from the news about the impacts of the russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, you may read the information on how many buildings have been destroyed and the figures for human losses during the russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But you will never know how many women in Ukraine have been sexually assaulted by the russian militaries because they chose to remain silent. Female victims struggle with feelings of shock, disbelief, and powerlessness. Shame and self-blame can make it difficult for survivors to come forward and share their experiences. In addition, many women, who live in severe conditions on recently liberated territories, do not have access to a psychologist. But as long as a woman remains alone with her trauma, she cannot live a full life.

That is why the Future for Ukraine Charity Foundation launched the Gidna project. It is a safe space of understanding and support where every woman who has survived violence at the hands of the russian military can receive professional psychological assistance. 

The treatment sessions with a psychologist are provided for women anonymously and free of charge.

Already ten women have applied for help in the frame of the GIDNA project! 

It should be mentioned that the foundation already has the financial resources to conduct 1000 free-of-charge psychological consultations for Ukrainian women, which amounts to approximately 100 psychological support programs.

And now, we aim to raise funds for 30 supervisions for psychology and psychotherapy specialists, which amounts to EUR 3846 or UAH 156085. The raised money will allow helping for 10 Ukrainian women. 

The cost of one hour of supervision as of 07/25/2023 at the current NBU exchange rate is UAH 5,202.84, which equals EUR 128.20. The amount includes all mandatory taxes and fees paid to the budget of Ukraine.

Supervision is crucial for psychologists and should be provided regularly. 

• Educational and Skill Development: supervisor helps to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of the project's specialists; it encourages staying updated on the latest research and best practices to provide efficient therapy for the patients.
• Being immersed in the traumatic experience of their clients, they also require emotional support and self-reflection to manage the emotional demands of their profession. 
• Valuable experience: supervision for Gidna psychotherapists is provided by an Israeli expert who specializes, in particular, in working with the trauma of sexual violence and the mental consequences of war.

Please contribute to the work of Ukrainian psychotherapists who provide free treatment sessions to their female compatriots. Help women in Ukraine who suffered from sexual violence from the russian militaries during the ongoing war to overcome the consequences of violence, find inner strength and continue their life path with faith.