On August 20, the premiere of the documentary film *Traces*, directed by Alisa Kovalenko, took place in Dnipro. The film tells the stories of women who survived conflict-related sexual violence and torture during the Russian aggression, and chronicles their journey toward recovery and post-traumatic growth.
The event was attended by Oleksandr Shevchenko, Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration; Iryna Hrytsay, Deputy Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration; representatives of the regional state administrations’ departments; UN Women in Ukraine; the NGO “SEMA Ukraine”; as well as organizations working to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
“For the Donetsk region, this issue holds special and deeply painful significance. Part of the region’s territory has been under Russian occupation for many years, where the enemy has effectively destroyed the rule of law and security, and the civilian population faces lawlessness and brutal crimes. Behind every case of conflict-related sexual violence is a real person, their pain, and their difficult path to recovery. Our shared task is to do everything possible to ensure that survivors are not left alone with their experiences and receive the necessary protection, support, and assistance. “I sincerely thank all the professionals who work every day in this extremely important field,” said Oleksandr Shevchenko.
The documentary film *Traces* tells the stories of six women who survived conflict-related sexual violence and have traveled a difficult path from their traumatic experiences to recovery and a return to an active life. The film pays special attention to the work of the NGO “SEMA Ukraine,” which brings together women who have been victims of such crimes.
The film has already won the Audience Award at the 2026 Berlinale International Film Festival and has been submitted for consideration for an Academy Award. UN Women is an impact partner for the film.
Following the screening, a discussion took place with director Alisa Kovalenko and Iryna Dovhan, head of the NGO “SEMA Ukraine.” Participants discussed the importance of supporting survivors, overcoming stigma, preserving their stories, and further developing a comprehensive support system for people who have survived conflict-related sexual violence.
The screening of the film “Traces” served as an important platform for an open conversation about traumatic experiences, the power of recovery, and the need to create an environment in which survivors can receive adequate support, protection, and assistance.