“That was the end of my past life, and a new page in my story began.”

“My name is Daniil <...>. I am 28 and from Donetsk. Before I was captured, I worked at a school, studied at an institute, and repaired computers at home. On August 19, 2020, armed men broke into my apartment, accused me of being a spy, put a bag over my head, and took me captive”.

“For over three years, I was held in detention, where I endured beatings, electric shocks, and constant humiliation. Sexual violence and intimidation were part of daily life, and the fear extended to threats against my relatives”, Daniil recalls.

“They made a lot of photos of me naked, all beaten, bruised, drenched in saliva and blood, and sent them to my friends.”

Life in ‘Izoliatsiia’: hunger, fear, and abuse

‘Izoliatsiia’ is a notorious prison in the co-called Donetsk People’s Republic, named after the former factory for insulating materials where it was located.  

During the interview, Daniil recalled those days as if transported back in time: “At Izoliatsiia prison, hunger, overcrowding, and fear were constant. Detainees were forced to endure extreme conditions, while intimidation and threats of sexual violence were routine.”

“If they wanted to, they could easily target both your wife and children.”

“Every day was defined by pain, deprivation, and constant surveillance. Even mundane acts, such as using the toilet, became tools of humiliation”, he said.

Returning home, finding support

“After my release, I returned to Ukraine by myself. There was no immediate assistance, and documentation and compensation were slow. Male survivors like me are often overlooked, though UN agencies and NGOs provided vital support.”

“I can engage in social activism instead of just sitting in my flat, afraid to go out.”

“Medical aid, housing, and rehabilitation programs allowed me to begin rebuilding my life.” Support from agencies like UNFPA, IOM, UN Women, and NGOs has been crucial in assisting, and continue to assist, CRSV survivors across the country.  

Recognition, rehabilitation, and hope

Daniil decided to share his story to ensure recognition for survivors of CRSV (Conflict-Related Sexual Violence) and to advocate for comprehensive rehabilitation.

“Keep people anonymous to prevent their experiences from going public.”

“Captivity took ten percent of my life, but I hope for a future where survivors receive dignity, support, and guarantees of non-repetition” 

Breaking Stigma and Supporting Survivors

Survivors of CRSV often struggle with shame, stigma, fear of retaliation, and difficulty accessing the support they need. These challenges can be shaped by their gender, with male survivors frequently facing additional stigma, fewer places to turn for help, and often a lack of services designed to meet their specific needs, especially in rural communities. Daniil stresses the importance of confidential support:

“It is very hard for men to speak about what happened to them. Many do not tell even their families. Providing safe, professional support is essential for recovery.”

Programs for survivors not only provide practical support but also help raise awareness about CRSV and reduce stigma. Drawing on his own experience, Daniil explains that “these programs allow survivors to regain their dignity and rebuild their lives without retraumatization.” 

The UN in Ukraine stresses the importance of standing with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, by challenging stigmas, investing in confidential, survivor-centered services and reporting mechanisms, and raising awareness so communities are able to ensure safety, strengthen recovery, and uphold the rights of those affected.

Together, we can promote compassion, dignity, and inclusion for all survivors  regardless of their gender, place in life, or otherwise, so that they are able to reclaim their lives.