Rokada specialists helped a woman who had experienced domestic violence for several years
This is exactly the kind of case that makes you realise our work saves lives. The story, which the Rokada team shares with the woman’s permission, happened in Sumy region.
For four years, the woman – who is now safe and supported by the Foundation’s specialists – experienced domestic violence. She found the courage to seek help only when her children witnessed their father’s cruelty.
“I received a phone call in which a woman, in a bewildered voice, explained that she had kept my business card after a group psychological session held by Rokada. She said that circumstances now were such that she and her children needed help,” says Tetiana Matviienko, psychologist at the regional office working on gender-based violence. “The woman admitted that she had suffered violence from her husband for about four years. She had not sought support before, but when the children witnessed the cruelty and their emotional state was affected, she realised she could not manage without help.”
psychologist at Rokada’s regional office working on gender-based violence
The team joined in responding to the crisis. First, Rokada specialists took the woman to an emergency room, where doctors recorded her injuries. Then the POLINA mobile police unit stepped in. At the same time, an urgent restraining order was issued against the abuser.
social worker at Rokada’s regional office
“The woman and her children are now safe. We continue to work with them, providing social support and psychological counselling,” continues Nataliia Pocheptsova, social worker at the regional office. “We also provided the family with an essentials kit.”
The mother and children rescued from domestic violence face a long period of mental recovery. Ahead lie further safety planning and Rokada’s coordination with partner organisations and specialised services to ensure comprehensive protection for the family.
“Unfortunately, in our society domestic violence is seen as a purely family matter. But it is not! Whether it is domestic, economic or sexual, it is still violence, it must be responded to, and abusers must be held accountable for their actions. Today we rescued a woman and her children only because she found the strength and courage to ask for help. That is why it is important to talk about protection services, crisis rooms, organisations and state services one can turn to at a critical moment,” stresses Tetiana Matviienko.
If you or someone you know needs help or protection as a result of gender-based violence, call the hotline in Sumy: +380673098937
The project is implemented by the Rokada Charitable Foundation with the support of Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS) in partnership with the Bukovinian Agency for Initiatives and Development (BAID) and Un Ponte Per ETS (UPP).
