THE WAR CRIME OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN UKRAINE
THE WAR CRIME OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN UKRAINE
13 DECEMBER 2022
Sexual violence is a disturbing result of war and genocide because of its use as a form of torture and ethnic cleansing. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, sexual violence against Ukrainian citizens has increased dramatically. The nature of sexual violence committed by the Russian military justifies its status as a war crime.
Sexual violence in Ukraine
Sexual violence during the war is systematic. Russian servicemen systematically use sexual violence as a way of further oppression in Ukraine. Pramila Patten, the UN's special representative on sexual violence, condemned rape and sexual violence by Russian forces, calling it a "military strategy" and a "deliberate tactic to dehumanize the victims."
Under certain circumstances, rape and other types of sexual violence may be considered war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.
Geeta Sahgal from Amnesty International told BBC News: “Rape is often used during ethnic conflicts as a way for perpetrators to perpetuate their social control. It seems that this is what the Russian troops are doing, sexually assaulting Ukrainians. Russian troops want to establish their dominance, as well as spread Russian culture throughout Ukraine. According to the UN report, the age of victims of sexual violence in Ukraine ranges from 4 to 80 years. There are also reports that family members were forced to watch their loved ones being sexually assaulted by Russian forces. The UN has confirmed that there are "more than a hundred cases of rape or sexual violence".
In addition, there are claims that Russian commanders were aware of sexual abuse taking place and that some commanders even ordered their soldiers to rape Ukrainian women. In the same vein, it is also important to recognize white rag tactics. Russian soldiers told some women to hang a white rag outside their houses. Soldiers left and later returned to homes where there were white rags for raping women.
A young Chechen soldier took 50-year-old Anna from her home and raped her in a neighboring house, and the soldiers shot her husband, who died a few days later. In an interview with the BBC, Anna said: “They got high and were often drunk. They are mostly murderers, rapists and marauders. Only some are ok."
Sexual violence during conflict is extremely traumatic and can cause serious psychological problems for survivors. It is extremely important that victims of sexual violence in Ukraine have access to medical treatment and psychological support. However, displacement due to the ongoing war made it extremely difficult for victims to access these resources.
Support
There are many organizations and networks in Ukraine that work tirelessly to help victims of sexual violence. Sylini is one of the networks working to help victims of sexual violence access proper medical treatment by covering medical costs. Since Russia first invaded Ukraine, Sylini has helped eight anonymous women by paying for medical resources such as STD tests, psychological support and even dental surgery. At least 18 victims reached out to Silini between May and June 2022 for help and support.
SEMA Ukraine – is another organization that helps victims of sexual violence in different parts of the country. This network consists of former victims of sexual violence; Some of them became victims of the Russian military in 2014. One of the main responsibilities of SEMA Ukraine is to travel to small villages to meet victims of sexual violence, listen to their stories, and provide counseling.
Sexual violence during the war is often ignored by many and is rarely given the attention it deserves, but the war in Ukraine is drawing more attention to the issue. In addition, the efforts of Sylini and SEMA Ukraine ensure that victims receive the necessary assistance after the consequences.
– Jonina Anglin