As the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, reports of domestic violence have sharply increased, exemplified by a recent tragic incident in Lviv where a 41-year-old woman was murdered by her neighbor, a young war veteran. This incident highlights the failures of the public mental health system, as authorities did not act on warnings from social workers who deemed the veteran in need of hospitalization prior to the stabbing. The lack of available psychiatric resources due to the overwhelming trauma from the conflict exacerbates the situation, leaving potential victims without necessary protection.

Marta Chumalo, a cofounder of the civic group Women’s Perspectives, emphasizes the urgent need for a functioning care system, asserting that vulnerable populations—especially women and children—are at heightened risk due to the failures of the public system. With the war entering its fifth year, the societal norms surrounding gender-based violence are shifting, revealing an alarming increase in incidents as stressors multiply because of the ongoing conflict, displacement, and trauma. The need for intervention and support systems is more pressing than ever as communities struggle to cope with both the war’s immediate impacts and its long-lasting psychological effects.

In response to this troubling trend, feminist organizations in Ukraine are working tirelessly to establish safety nets for those affected by violence and to advocate for improved mental health services. By pushing for better protection measures and support for survivors, these groups are not only addressing the immediate crises of domestic violence but also aiming to fortify the societal foundations against future occurrences through education and awareness. Their efforts are crucial in a nation where the intersections of war, mental health, and gender violence present a complex challenge that requires urgent collective action.