The war has forced millions of Ukrainian women to seek safety outside the country, yet the experience of displacement does not mean the end of the risks. New research by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights shows that violence, exploitation and limited access to support continue to affect many women both during their flight and after their arrival in European Union countries. The survey covered more than a thousand women who left Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war and are now living in the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland.
The experience of war and flight
The war had a direct impact on the decision to leave Ukraine. Around 70% of women stated that they left out of fear for their own safety, and a significant proportion had been living in areas of combat or occupation. Many of those surveyed reported contact with Russian military personnel, including searches, detentions and interrogations, which were often accompanied by humiliation.
Anxiety levels remained high. Women were often afraid of shelling, physical or sexual violence. These fears extended to their children, creating a constant sense of danger even up until the moment they left the country.
The violence does not end once you cross the border
The study notes that experiences of violence are not confined to Ukraine. One in four women reported physical or sexual violence since the start of the war. Some of these incidents occurred in EU countries, where women had sought refuge.
Women also reported sexual harassment, psychological pressure and incidents of violence at the hands of acquaintances or people from their immediate circle. Among those who experienced violence, a significant proportion identified strangers as their perpetrators, which complicates identification and prosecution.
Upon arrival in the EU, women often avoid certain places or situations for fear of attack. Such behaviour indicates a persistent sense of danger, even in countries that provide refuge.
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Access to housing, work and healthcare
Most of those surveyed were able to find accommodation outside the reception centres, but safety concerns remain a pressing issue. Some women do not feel safe in their own homes or neighbourhoods.
Employment has become one of the key factors in achieving stability. Almost half of the women have paid work, which enables them to regain some control over their lives. Income levels remain low. Only around a fifth of respondents can meet their basic needs without significant difficulty.
The need for medical care is widespread. Most women have sought help from the healthcare system, but a third of them did not receive the necessary services. The need for psychological support and reproductive health care remains particularly acute.
Risks associated with exploitation and human trafficking
When looking for accommodation, transport or work, women often encounter suspicious offers. Research has identified signs of potential exploitation, including instances where women were expected to provide sexual services or where attempts were made to take their documents away.
One in five of those who received such offers encountered signs characteristic of human trafficking. Such risks arise in situations of economic instability, when women are forced to quickly seek out the resources they need to survive.
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Why don’t women seek help?
Despite the existence of legal protection mechanisms, many women do not report violence. Only a small proportion of victims have contacted the police. Among the reasons are fear of retaliation, mistrust of institutions, and a lack of information about their rights and the services available to them.
Some women do not know where to turn in their country of residence, whilst others lack confidence in the outcome of their report. The psychological consequences of their experiences also play a role, reducing their willingness to communicate with the authorities.
The uncertainty of the future and the lasting impact of the war
Temporary protection in the EU guarantees basic rights, but its expiry, scheduled for 2027, creates further uncertainty. Women who have experienced violence may be left without the necessary support once their legal status changes.
Most of those surveyed have relatives in Ukraine, which influences their decisions about the future. Some plan to stay in the EU, others are considering returning, and a significant number do not have a clear answer.
The experience of violence has a long-lasting effect. It affects the ability to work, study and care for one’s family. The need for support persists even after the active phase of displacement has ended.
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