Systematic sexual violence reported against Ukrainian civilians

Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022, there have been alarming reports of war crimes. These include executions of prisoners, forced deportations, and attacks on civilian areas. Among the most disturbing reports are those of sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners. A recent report from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine highlights widespread sexual abuse as a tactic of war. This includes accounts of women being raped and tortured by Russian security forces. Erik Møse, the commission's chair, stated that the evidence shows systematic acts of sexual violence used against female detainees to humiliate and break them. Survivors share harrowing experiences. One woman reported being raped by soldiers when she sought information about a missing relative. Another survivor, a 26-year-old prisoner, endured brutal torture and rape over two years in custody. Many women fear reporting their abuse due to societal stigmas in Ukraine, which can lead to shame and isolation. The report indicates that these acts of violence are not isolated incidents. They form part of a broader campaign to terrorize and demoralize the Ukrainian population. The Russian Federal Security Service is implicated in these abuses, confirming that such actions are part of official strategies rather than rogue behavior. The report stresses the need for justice. Sexual violence in war is recognized as a crime against humanity, but efforts to hold perpetrators accountable face significant challenges. While Ukraine aims to prosecute those responsible, the process may take many years. Survivors continue to cope with their trauma, often in silence, while the international community faces the question of whether these crimes will ever be addressed.