The EU’s rights agency reports that women fleeing the Ukraine war are experiencing high levels of physical, sexual and psychological violence across member states
Women who escaped the Ukraine war are facing widespread violence across the European Union, according to a new assessment by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. The agency said on Tuesday that many among the 2.5 million women and girls granted temporary protection since the invasion continue to encounter significant safety risks in member states.
“Despite the protections offered by the EU, many women suffer serious violations; others feel unsafe,” said FRA director Sirpa Rautio. She added that member states must ensure access to “protection, support and justice” so women can rebuild their lives.
FRA data shows that one in four Ukrainian women have experienced physical or sexual violence since the start of the war, placing them at greater risk than the general population. Of those affected, 62 per cent reported the violence occurring in one of the 27 EU countries where they now live, while nine per cent were harmed while fleeing to the EU. Another 39 per cent suffered violence in Ukraine, often attributed to Russian forces.
Survey findings from host countries
The findings draw on a 2024 survey of more than 1,200 Ukrainian women in Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland, alongside interviews with 30 women who had personal experiences of violence. The report shows that 51 per cent of surveyed women were sexually harassed since the war began, and 23 per cent faced sexual harassment online—a higher rate than among women in the EU overall.
FRA noted that 54 per cent encountered attacks or negative reactions after speaking Ukrainian in public, particularly in Czech Republic and Poland.
Risks of exploitation and gaps in support
Nearly one in four Ukrainian women reported receiving potentially exploitative offers for transport, housing, or work. Among those employed, many said their working hours were not properly covered by contracts.
The agency also found that nearly a third had no access to mental health services, despite the trauma of war. Very few women reported incidents to police or support organisations, highlighting ongoing barriers to justice and assistance.
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