By KYIV. Oct 31 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukrainian law enforcers are investigating more than 100 cases of sexual violence by the Russian military in Ukraine upon complaints filed by victims, Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin has said.
"Currently we have information about more than 100 cases of crimes of sexual violence committed by the Russian military, but these are only those for which we have the testimony of victims," he said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency.
According to Kostin, Ukrainians who have suffered from this kind of crime often do not report it.
"We have analyzed why this happens and found out that people are afraid to report what happened to them for two main reasons: they are afraid of condemnation from their relatives, the environment and are afraid of re-occupation. They are also afraid that information about them will become public, in particular due to the publication of suspicions in absentia, in which the names of the victims appeared. And, finally, many of the victims avoid repeated psychological trauma," the Prosecutor General said.
Kostin stressed that in connection with this, a strategy for investigating such crimes was prepared, which provides for focusing on the interests of the victim and minimizing repeated traumatization of the victim.
"We also have a specific project with Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, on the implementation of this strategy. By the way, they are preparing to open an office in Kyiv. Currently we are settling security issues," the Prosecutor General said.
In addition, according to him, material assistance is being organized and a mechanism for monetary compensation for the victims is being developed.
"This is full-fledged assistance and guardianship, and not just obtaining evidence," Kostin said.
