Today, violence is a powerful and cruel weapon used by the occupiers against Ukrainian women. It is a trauma that stays with the victim and completely changes her life, undermining her basic sense of security and trust. For almost two years, Future For Ukraine's GIDNA project has been working for women who experienced sexual violence during the war to help them recover and find the strength to move on. GIDNA provides up to 20 free, anonymous sessions with a psychologist for every woman who seeks help. The project's psychologists are highly qualified professionals who know how to work with the trauma of violence and create a safe space of understanding and support for each woman who dares to share her story. Our therapists have been trained by a psychologist from the Israel Trauma Coalition — Ruth Dorum, who specializes, in particular, in working with the trauma of sexual violence and the mental consequences of war. During the project's existence, 61 women have entrusted us with their stories and pain, each of whom suffered violence at the hands of the occupiers. In total, GIDNA project psychologists held 153 consultations on CRSV in 2023, and in 2024 the number of requests increased: 247 individual consultations on CRSV (142 of which were provided through a grant from United Nations Women's Guild - Geneva) in 10 months, as well as 32 supervision sessions for the Foundation's psychologists. The project continues to work and develop actively so that no woman is left alone with her pain! We are grateful to our donors, United Nations Women's Guild - Geneva, and everyone who supports the GIDNA project and helps women affected by CRSV regain emotional balance, inner support, and the strength to move on! Elena Nikolaienko Anna Kovalova
