GBV Risk Assessment Mykolaiv region, Ukraine (August 2026)

Country: Ukraine Source: International Rescue Committee Please refer to the attached file. In August 2026, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) conducted a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Risk Assessment in Mykolaiv region to better understand risks faced by women and girls and to inform targeted, evidence-based programming. The purpose of the assessment is to identify key GBV risk factors, affected population groups, barriers to accessing services, and gaps in existing response systems within the current humanitarian context. The assessment is based on data collected from key informants, including representatives of social protection and social services, healthcare, law enforcement, specialized survivor support services, local women-led organizations and women community leaders, complemented by focus group discussions with women, official statistics from national and regional authorities, and IRC case management and post-distribution monitoring data. It reflects the experiences and perspectives of internally displaced persons, conflict-affected populations, and other vulnerable and marginalized groups. Findings Overview In Mykolaiv oblast, GBV risks are shaped by protracted conflict exposure, displacement and returns to de-occupied areas, male mobilization and shifting household roles, and deteriorating socio-economic conditions. Intimate partner and domestic violence remain the most prevalent forms, with physical violence most commonly disclosed, followed by denial of resources, opportunities or services and psychological abuse, while sexual violence remains significantly underreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation and doubts about confidentiality and data protection safeguards; Groups at heightened risk include internally displaced women and girls, women and girls from family members of military personnel, widows, female heads of households, women and girls with disabilities, women with care responsibilities, women who lost their incomes, and adolescent girls. Loss of livelihoods, overcrowded or shared accommodation, disrupted social networks, and increased caregiving burdens deepen dependency and reduce coping capacity. Adolescent girls are particularly exposed to risks related to limited safe spaces and increased online activity, including technology-facilitated GBV such as harassment, cyberbullying, and digital control; Despite the presence of a relatively diverse network of specialized GBV services, access remains limited and uneven. Fear of stigma, concerns around confidentiality, and low trust in institutions discourage disclosure and help-seeking. Service provision is further constrained by concentration of services in urban centres, transport barriers affecting both survivors and providers, staffing shortages and high caseloads, accessibility gaps for persons with disabilities, and referral pathways that are not consistently formalized, resulting in gaps in timely and survivor-centered support. Explore more insights and recommendations in the full GBV risk assessment for Mykolaiv region, Ukraine.
2026-08-17 12:25:41