Human rights activists from the Eastern Ukrainian Center for Civic Initiatives, with the support of the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation, gathered a group of men who suffered from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) during the war. Most of the members of the group were illegally deprived of their freedom by the Russian occupiers during the war. We must note that such a meeting was held for the first time in Ukraine. For eight years, this category of victims remains out of the attention of the state and society.

The event lasted for two days. The first part of the meeting was devoted to the discussion of problems that victims face on a daily basis. Men who were subjected to SGBV have to resolve a number of interrelated problems that cannot be solved separately from each other. Those released from captivity have to simultaneously look for housing, find a job and at the same time, solve health problems. The trauma experienced by many of them has deprived them of self-confidence and returns every day with painful memories of the violence they survived. Despite the complexity of the problems, not every victim will dare to seek psychotherapeutic help. This is hindered by social stigma, lack of understanding of the importance of psychotherapy, and a lack of resources. Men affected by SGBV cannot count on proper medical care and social payments from the state, since there are no special programs for such people in Ukraine.

"I feel forgotten and abandoned," - One of the participants of the event commented on the situation, - "After the captivity, we were released and forgotten. Then you have to deal with all the problems by your own."

The violence survived through has affected everyone, but not everyone is ready to talk about it publicly. At the same time, the participants of the event agreed that silence will not solve problems. It is necessary to talk about one's experiences and convey this information both in Ukrainian society and abroad. The meeting was the first step in this direction.

“For the first time in so many years, people have finally started talking about the problems of sexual and gender-based violence against men. This means there is hope that we will be helped soon,” - said one of the participants of the round table.

On the second day, participants worked on the guide “First steps to restoring justice”, which is designed to help victims of sexual violence. The first edition of this book was prepared by EUCCI specialists back in February 2021. The guidelines offer a comprehensive overview of assistance programs that victims of violence can benefit from. The book contains practical recommendations with a step-by-step description of the actions of the affected persons in the process of legal protection of their rights, samples of necessary legal documents. In addition, the book contains a list of contacts of state and civic organizations that help victims.

The new version of the manual, while taking into account the realities that have arisen after 24 February and changes in the legislation, is to be published in the beginning of next year.