The Free Steppe online platform is a resource for survivors of captivity, torture, and sexual violence, as well as for their families. According to Tetiana Sirenko, the founder of the initiative and head of the board of the NGO Resource Centre Lisova Polyana, more than 15,000 users have already turned to the platform, and more than 4,000 of them have received specific assistance.
“Free Steppe provides services in four key areas: psychological, legal, medical and social support. They can be accessed both independently through an online search on the website and with the help of a case manager who helps to formulate a request, find the right specialist or organisation, and guide you through the procedure for receiving assistance.
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The platform pays special attention to the issue of trust – as Sirenko notes, after captivity, it is difficult for people to seek even the necessary help. That is why a space was created to bring together various organisations that provide support to this category of victims.
According to the manager, each type of assistance requires a specific list of documents. For example, to receive prescription medicines, you need to provide proof of captivity, a passport and a doctor’s prescription.
The platform’s case managers have already processed about 500 requests. They often provide support to clients at all stages of the application. Users leave positive feedback and even join the team as volunteers or ambassadors of the initiative. One of the former prisoners, for example, now runs support groups on the platform for people with similar experiences.
The team’s immediate plans include launching a recruitment drive for supervisors, and organising retreats for the professionals working on the platform in the summer.
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