Attachments
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HIAS, in collaboration with Vzaemodia and the League of Modern Women collaborated on a joint needs assessment from November 25th to 7 December 2024 in Zaporizhzhia and Sumska Oblasts. Using qualitative methods, the assessment focused on i) evaluating access and barriers to services, ii) identifying entry points and service preferences for GBV survivors, iii) analyzing Protection concerns and GBV risk factors. An overarching finding for Zaporizhzhia is that gender-based violence (GBV) and protection services (described in more detail below) are insufficient for a region with 1.6 million people. Assessment data suggests that domestic and gender-based violence remains a serious concern in the region, with a marked increase in reports in 2023, 80% of which were made by women. The steady increase in female internally displaced persons (IDPs) has led to growing gaps in support and protection measures. The crisis rooms and shelters are located in Zaporizhzhia city, meaning women and girls in rural areas have little to no access to these services. A similar situation has been observed in Sumy region. In Sumy Oblast, civilians continue to flee areas of active hostilities. Local authorities are concerned about the increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Shelling, limited communication, and damaged roads create significant security and protection barriers. Access to quality and coordinated GBV services, including case management, psychosocial and legal assistance, and referrals to healthcare institutions, is not available in all locations, and is particularly limited in rural and remote areas. Many of the services that are available are time-bound and reliant on short to medium term funding from donors. This ‘now you see it, now you don’t’ reality of services makes survivors more reluctant to engage in help-seeking behavior. Utilization of existing services indicates the level of demand for these services is high. However, stigma related to mental health and disclosures of violence have a marked impact on reporting. The reality and needs of each individual experiencing violence are different requiring flexibility which and how services are delivered.