Olga recounted the chilling threats she endured from her husband, a veteran who returned from fighting in Ukraine with heightened aggression and a sense of impunity. Before his deployment, he was already a violent alcoholic, but his experiences in war exacerbated his behavior.
Upon his return, Olga faced escalated abuse and threats of violence, including graphic descriptions of how he would harm her. Despite seeking help from authorities, she found little recourse, as the system often failed to protect victims of domestic violence.
Olga’s story is not unique. Rights groups have long warned about Russia’s inadequate measures to address domestic violence, which were further exacerbated by recent changes in legislation and the Kremlin’s reluctance to intervene.
The glorification of war veterans by the government has contributed to a culture where perpetrators feel above the law. Women like Olga face a daunting reality, where justice seems elusive, and the fear of reprisal looms large.
Campaigners emphasize the urgent need for legal reforms and better support systems for survivors. However, the path to change is fraught with challenges, including the normalization of extreme violence and systemic failures within the judicial system.
Despite the immense obstacles, survivors like Olga and Nadezhda are finding the courage to speak out and seek help. Their stories shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Russia and the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable.