The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
LOCATION: Kraków, Poland
Founded by a young Ukrainian woman who has lived in Poland for several years, Martynka is a 24/7 helpline which provides support for Ukrainian women who have experienced sexual violence in Ukraine from Russian soldiers or in Poland (for example, from people who offered accommodation).
Specifically, the organization works to:
- Prevent human trafficking;
- Help victims of sexualized violence obtain legal and psychological support;
- Provide access to and information on safe abortions and day after pills; and
- Distribute information on sexual health, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections.
Through distributing colorful leaflets at train stations, in public restrooms, or at help desks, Martynka alerts women of its services and provides information to help women avoid trafficking.
The work of Martynka is vital given an increase in violence against women and girls since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Image Credit: Martynka
