Gender-Based Violence as a russian Wartime Tactic

According to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe* (OSCE), women are most often the survivors of such violence, while men are most often the perpetrators. At the same time, people of any gender can be affected and can commit violence.

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russians are particularly notorious for their terror against civilians and military personnel. A significant part of this terror consists of sexual gender-based violence. This practice is not limited to russia’s current war against Ukraine, as researchers trace a culture of wartime rape back to the periods of the russian empire and the soviet union, as well as during the russian–Chechen wars.

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For russians, sexual violence is a tactic of warfare and a means of intimidating both civilians and soldiers. Its purpose is to instill fear, break morale, establish dominance, and suppress resistance. The thing is that sexual violence places a stigma on survivors: society perceives them as degraded and “tainted”; they may be judged, avoided, and isolated from their community. Stories of abuse spread, and, in occupied towns and villages, people become afraid to organize, resist, or even leave their homes. This further affects the morale of Ukrainian military personnel and civilians in the rear.

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Sexual violence committed by russians is systemic. For them, it is a tool of humiliation at all levels, which is why those taken captive also suffer from it. russians systematically violate the Geneva Conventions, including in their treatment of both captured military personnel and civilians.

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What does russian gender-based violence look like in practice?

 

At present, it is impossible to know all manifestations of these violations of international law, but some of them have been documented. Here are some of the known forms of physical, psychological, and sexual violence committed by russians:

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• threats and intimidation

• rape

• forced nudity

• sexual slavery

• forced prostitution

• mutilation and torture

• forced pregnancy

• forced abortion
   

According to prosecutor Anna Sosonska** of the Office of the Prosecutor General, as of July 2025, 368 cases of sexual violence committed by russian military personnel in the occupied territories have been documented. It is important to understand that this represents only a fraction of the full picture, the true scale of which remains unknown but is likely far greater.

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Although most people who experience violence are women, people of any gender, sex, or age can suffer from it. It is important to understand that in territories controlled by russians, anyone can become a victim, and no one can feel safe.

 

Additional challenges faced by survivors

 

Sexual violence is an extremely traumatic experience. At the same time, survivors often face additional difficulties afterward. It can be difficult or even impossible for them to seek help from a hospital, the police, or to find shelter due to occupation, active fighting, and the lack of communication.

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In addition, survivors experience the consequences of stigmatization. Women in particular face distancing, judgment, and victim-blaming from those around them, even from people close to them. As a result, they may be rejected by society and placed in an even more vulnerable position.

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Because sexual violence remains a taboo topic, survivors may also blame themselves and downplay their own suffering and problems, considering them insignificant in the context of war. This makes them hesitant to ask for help and, in general, makes it harder for them to speak about their experience.

 

How to support someone who has survived sexual violence

 

• Listen. If a person is ready, offer them a safe space to speak. Do not pressure them or interrogate them. Let them share only as much as feels comfortable at the moment, and in whatever way feels comfortable.
   

• Do not judge under any circumstances. Do not look for “reasons” why this person experienced violence or suggest that they are to blame (for example, because of their behavior, clothing, or decision not to evacuate). Emphasize that they are in no way responsible for what happened.
   

• Do not minimize their experience. Even with good intentions, avoid suggesting that they should “forget,” “move on,” or “distract themselves.” Such responses invalidate their pain.
   

• Ask for consent before any physical contact. Survivors of violence may be afraid of touch or hugs, even from close and well-meaning people. Approach this with care, sensitivity, and respect.
   

• Ask how you can help. Do not pressure or insist, and never act against a person’s wishes. Sometimes practical help is needed; at other times, simply being present is enough.

 

Where can you get help?

 

• JurFem: Pidtrymka provides free assistance to survivors of sexual violence and all forms of gender discrimination. You can learn more and submit an application on their website:
  https://jurfem.com.ua/jurfem-pidtrymka/
   

• La Strada–Ukraine operates a national hotline for the prevention of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender discrimination, and provides consultations on related issues. Contact details are available here:
  https://la-strada.org.ua/kontakty

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• Centres for Assistance to Survivors provide psychological, legal, medical, and humanitarian support to people who have fled combat zones and temporarily occupied territories:
  https://www.help-platform.in.ua/

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In addition, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine collects testimonies about russian war crimes, including sexual violence. You can submit information via the website:
https://warcrimes.gov.ua/#anketa

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Sources:

 

*OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Armed Conflict — https://odihr.osce.org/odihr/524088

**Anna Steshenko, LB.ua. “Russian commanders personally committed sexual violence and gave such orders to soldiers,” — prosecutor Anna Sosonska of the Office of the Prosecutor General. — https://lb.ua/society/2025/07/02/684592_rosiyski_komandiri_osobisto.html