After losing her husband, Olha was left alone with two children. Later, she started living with a partner who became her support. However, the war changed everything: the man lost his job, began abusing alcohol, and eventually became a source of humiliation and control. He forbade Olha to work, accused her of “living off him”, controlled her finances, isolated her from her family, and eventually kicked her out of the house. Olha found herself in a tough situation without her own home, without means of subsistence, and with children.
The social service of her community told her that she could turn to the NGO “Divchata” (“Girls”) for help. The organization's case manager assessed the family's needs and provided comprehensive support to eliminate critical risks to life and health as part of the project “Strengthening Access and Service Provision for SRH Support and GBV Prevention among Conflict-Affected Women and Girls in Eastern and Southern Ukraine”, together with the international humanitarian organization CARE, with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office. Thanks to referrals to several organizations, Olha and her children had psychological counselling sessions. The woman received legal support to resolve the issue of her lost documents on education and underwent a free medical examination. The specialist referred Olha to a specialized organization, where the family was provided with basic necessities, such as food, hygiene products, and seasonal clothing.
The case manager also helped Olha find a job at a local farm. Now she works in greenhouses growing strawberries. Her family was also provided with housing. Now the woman rents a house and pays only for utilities. She is actively involved in the life of the village community and feels confident and dignified.
"For a long time, I believed that I was the one to blame for everything. But now I realize that no one has the right to humiliate or control me. I have the right to safety and respect - and the help I received gave me a chance for a new life," says Olha.
This story is an example of how timely support, professional intervention, and self-confidence can help a woman regain control of her life, restore her dignity, and feel her feet on the ground again.
