As part of the joint campaign of AFEW International and AFEW-Ukraine, “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” starting November 25, we address gender-based violence within key populations, particularly women living with HIV.
In October, AFEW-Ukraine met with Vira Varyha.
Vira is an activist and a board member of the charitable organization “Positive Women,” which supports women living with HIV. She advocates for the rights of women living with HIV and fights against stigma. Vira initiated the creation of support groups like “Kyivanka+,” which operate in 15 regions of Ukraine. These groups help women who have experienced violence or discrimination to rebuild their social connections and receive psychological assistance.
According to Vira, women living with HIV often face discrimination in healthcare facilities, domestic violence, and stigma, which complicates their access to treatment and social integration. For example, one of her studies revealed that women living with HIV are 19% more likely to become victims of domestic violence compared to others.
Vira emphasizes raising public awareness and developing support networks for such women. In our interview, learn more about Vira’s experiences and insights.
1) Do you have data on how frequently women living with HIV experience gender-based violence?
8.8% of respondents (30 women) reported being denied surgical procedures, including abortion, due to their HIV-positive status. Additionally, 26.9% of respondents (28 women) indicated that they had been denied childbirth services for the same reason.
Furthermore, the rate of violence increases more than twofold following an HIV diagnosis, both from society (10.3% before diagnosis and 25.3% after diagnosis).
This indicates that women living with HIV disproportionately experience gender-based violence compared to the general female population.
Moreover, we are currently focusing on addressing a troubling phenomenon present in our reality—obstetric violence (institutional violence) against HIV-positive women.
Obstetric violence is a form of violence that combines characteristics of gender-based violence (targeted at women simply because they are women) and institutional violence (a structured power imbalance in healthcare institutions—between medical staff and patients). The actions of medical personnel toward their patients may sometimes constitute crimes sufficient to warrant criminal prosecution.
Until recently, obstetric violence was not given proper attention. Only since 2015, when the World Health Organization (WHO) published its statement, has the issue of obstetric violence gained global attention.
2) Are women’s membership in key vulnerable communities or their HIV status risk factors for experiencing violence? Can you provide examples?
Yes, both HIV status and membership in key vulnerable groups increase the risk of gender-based violence. For instance, the study “Needs of Women Living with HIV” found that women who use drugs are more likely to experience violence from sexual partners as well as law enforcement officers.
Regarding women living with HIV, we receive ongoing requests from beneficiaries and provide services to combat violence and support women. This includes para-legal and legal services, case management and support.
One of the most common examples of violence is blackmail by partners or other close contacts. For example:
- “You will give up your parental rights to our child, or I will disclose your HIV status at your workplace.”
- “You will sign over your share of the property to me, or I will tell everyone about your HIV status.”
3) Are there specific programs for women who have experienced gender-based violence? What support can these women receive through the charitable organization Positive Women?
Positive Women offers a range of services, including:
- Case management and social work consultations
- Psychological and psychiatric counseling
- Para-legal and legal assistance
- Social support services
- Placement in shelters, social apartments, or other safe housing
- Group activities to raise awareness about gender-based violence and strategies for addressing it
- Humanitarian aid
- Referrals for additional services identified during needs assessments (beyond the organization’s direct offerings)
At the beginning of the war, three shelters were established for women living with HIV and internally displaced women. Additionally, “Safe Spaces” were opened in 11 regions, staffed by multidisciplinary teams. These spaces provide services that are gender-sensitive and tailored to the needs of women.
In every region of Ukraine, women living with HIV who have experienced violence can reach out to our teams. Contact information is available on the Positive Women website.
4) What steps, in your opinion, should be taken to improve access to services and resources for women affected by gender-based violence?
- Enhancing the qualifications of professionals working in violence prevention and assistance, particularly staff at crisis centers and shelters, on topics such as HIV, sex work, and drug dependence.
- Training healthcare personnel, including those in obstetric units and maternity wards, on preventing all forms of violence against women living with HIV and women from key populations.
- Establishing an effective referral and support system between state and non-state institutions that assist women survivors of violence.
- Developing and implementing comprehensive programs for working with perpetrators, ensuring systematic state funding for such initiatives.
- Integrating services for survivors of violence into HIV-service organization projects, such as harm reduction programs and support for people living with HIV.
- Creating new safe spaces for women, particularly those vulnerable to violence and HIV, and supporting existing spaces, especially within community-based settings.
- Expanding networks of peer paralegals to provide legal support.
- Incorporating violence screening tools into HIV prevention and support programs.
- Raising awareness among women living with HIV and those from key populations about available services for protection against violence through diverse communication channels and interventions (e.g., self-help groups, patient schools, harm reduction counseling, websites, hotlines, closed groups, and chats).
- Improving emergency response mechanisms for cases of violence and providing medical, psychological, social, and legal assistance.
- Implementing index testing for HIV, prioritizing the safety of HIV-positive women, especially those at risk of violence after disclosing their status to intimate partners.
- Providing assistance at community-based organizations to build trust and reduce stigma associated with HIV, sex work, drug use, gender identity, etc.
- Empowering women to address issues related to violence using tools such as the WINGS methodology.
- Delivering services solely in the interest of the woman, considering her safety, condition, and vulnerabilities. Barriers to seeking help often include mistrust of the justice system, fear of public disclosure, and stigma, particularly in cases of sexual violence.
- Encouraging principles of safety and care within the community of women living with HIV and key populations to strengthen activism and mutual support.
Our second heroine, who shared her experience, is Ms. L.
Ms. L. embodies resilience and inner strength. Despite a challenging journey marked by manipulation and emotional abuse from her partner, she finds the courage to continue living and fighting for herself. Her HIV-positive status posed a significant challenge, but it also led her to a community of like-minded individuals where she both receives and offers support.
Family plays a vital role in her life, especially her niece, who works in the medical field, and provides her with understanding and care. Ms. L. actively seeks guidance from legal consultants and finds solace in support groups, which have become a source of self-belief and strength for her.
At the same time, she is ready to assist other women in similar situations, advocating that seeking help is a sign of strength. Her story demonstrates how solidarity and mutual support can empower individuals to move forward.
1) What helped you the most when you faced violence? Was it family support, a group where you could share, or perhaps legal assistance? What turned out to be the most helpful for you?
My family was a significant source of support. For instance, my niece, who recently learned about the situation, has been very understanding, thanks to her work in the medical field. Family support was incredibly important to me.
Additionally, I found substantial help in a support group. I reached out, shared my experiences, and felt the encouragement of others like me. Both men and women shared their stories, explaining how they dealt with similar situations. That support was invaluable, showing me I was not alone.
A consultation with a lawyer also proved very helpful. She gave me advice, shared relevant articles, and even shared her own experiences.
Finally, the community I am part of now has been crucial. Just two days ago, I visited, and one conversation with a member lasted almost an hour. It was incredible. I also spoke to another participant whose experiences with men closely mirror mine. These interactions were immensely supportive.
2) How did you respond to blackmail and manipulation? Did you seek support or advice from anyone?
It was half past midnight when he messaged me. He started blackmailing me again, saying he would reveal everything and suggested coming over to “talk.” I asked why, especially since he has a wife. He began making up excuses, saying he wanted to see someone or something along those lines.
I realized I was falling into his manipulative trap and tried not to provoke him. I didn’t block him but reached out to the women in my support groups the next day.
I immediately contacted the lawyers in our community. They advised me, explained what steps to take, and provided links to the relevant legal articles. The people in the group were also incredibly supportive.
I shared my emotions and mentioned that he might be among the participants. It was just a feeling, as there are communities where members go through verification processes.
I struggle with insecurity; I am a person with many complexes, and he used that against me. He started telling me that I was worthless and that no one needed me. He wanted me to feel the same pain that he claimed I had caused him.
He was destroying me emotionally. The last thing he said was that I should apologize to him for allegedly “ruining his life.” This has been going on for many years. On the one hand, he lives his own life, but he continues to hold onto this resentment and manipulate me.
Now that he knows my status, he has gained a “lever” over me—a threat to destroy the reputation I have worked so hard to build. It’s terrifying because I deeply value my work.
4) What advice would you give to women who may face violence?
Don’t be afraid to seek help. But also, don’t be afraid to live your life. We don’t always know the true nature of the men around us—they can be very different.
Often, men exploit what is most vulnerable for a woman. For example, if there’s a child, it can become a tool for manipulation. If there’s an apartment or other property, that too can be used against her.
It’s hard to give universal advice because every situation is different. I love men and can’t say they are all bad. But in my case, I encountered a very cruel person.
5) Were there moments when it was difficult for you to seek help? Did you have doubts about whom to approach or what kind of help to seek first?
Thanks to my status, I’ve made many friends. Some people left my life when the war began, but the best ones came into it. In this sense, I can even be thankful for my status because it brought amazing women who supported me. They’re already calling when I send a message, asking how they can help.
There’s no need to fear asking for help. If I see someone in a similar situation, I will also try to support them because we are all very vulnerable.
The mutual support I’ve experienced is incredible. I can reach out to so many people—more than I could count on two hands. That, if I may say so, is a positive side of the situation. We write to each other, offer support, and stay connected even over time.
The stories of our heroines reveal just how challenging it is to be a woman from a vulnerable group, especially when faced with violence, stigma, and discrimination. However, they also remind us of the importance of support and collective efforts to create a safe environment.
As part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, we urge society not to stand aside but to actively join the fight against gender-based violence by supporting those in need and driving change at all levels. Your compassion can transform someone’s life!
