The Charitable Foundation “Sylni”
Results of Work for 2024
The Charitable Foundation “Sylni” provides psychological, medical, and legal assistance to people over 16 years old who have suffered from any form of sexual violence—committed by civilians or the military—since the outbreak of war in 2014 and again in 2022. Our assistance is confidential, free of charge, and offered regardless of sex, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
Our Mission
We work to ensure that everyone who has survived sexual violence receives specialized assistance and can live the best of their lives despite the trauma they experienced.
Main Results of the Year
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314 requests for assistance
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59 people received long-term psychological and/or medical support:
- 48 women
- 11 men
10 confirmed cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) committed by the Russian military were recorded, involving 6 women and 4 men.
The assistance program should be expanded to include people affected by violence since 2014.
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600 services provided in 2024, including:
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282 psychotherapy sessions
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307 medical services, among them:
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139 dental services
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12 gynecological consultations
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32 gynecological procedures
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40 laboratory diagnostics
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Psychological Assistance:
In 2024, we deepened the knowledge of our team of psychologists and implemented burnout prevention strategies. Two men—a psychologist and a military psychology consultant—joined the team, enhancing our support for male clients.
Medical Care:
We expanded our partnership network. Through collaboration with the “OnClinic” network, beneficiaries now have access to care in most regional centers across Ukraine, including Zaporizhzhia, Kropyvnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Dnipro, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and others.
Legal Assistance:
Although our focus in 2024 shifted toward medical and psychological aid, we continue to collaborate with partner organizations and assess legal support needs on a case-by-case basis. The Foundation offers consultations to those wishing to report violence. We also cover legal fees and specialist services when necessary.
Financial Results of the Year
2024 was a pivotal year in fundraising. A fundraising manager joined the team, and we significantly expanded our business network.
UAH 6,358,651 raised in 2024
UAH 3,768,903 spent in 2024
Top Philanthropists:
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“Arzinger”
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“Ukrsibbank”
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“Sane”
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“Spiilka”
The grant from “Global Giving” was our first major external financial support. It funded staff salaries, enabled team expansion, and ensured continuous psychological and medical assistance for beneficiaries. It also strengthened our information campaigns, increased outreach, and helped more people find the Foundation.
Fundraising Projects
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Charitable Donation from “Arzinger”
In March 2024, “Arzinger” Law Firm donated UAH 500,000. These funds were used for psychotherapy with specialists in sexual trauma, including wartime trauma.
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Charitable Assistance from “Ukrsibbank”
“Ukrsibbank” contributed UAH 150,000 for medical and psychological support.
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Group Fundraising for International Women’s Day
A group of donors launched a campaign that raised UAH 212,527 with 22 participants.
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Campaign with “Spiilka”
In July, NGO “Spiilka” organized charity events and gatherings, raising UAH 240,721.
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Charity Collection with “Sane”
The Skincare brand “Sane”, supported by 9 other Ukrainian brands, raised UAH 50,000.
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Ongoing Project with “IamVolya”
In collaboration with the “IamVolya” brand, we continued our T-shirt fundraiser featuring artwork by tattoo artist Glossy Future, raising UAH 90,000.
We also receive ongoing donations from kind-hearted individuals around the world. We are sincerely grateful to all benefactors whose donations have allowed us to successfully and uninterruptedly help people who have survived sexual violence and implement a number of important projects throughout the year.
Your support is indispensable for achieving our goals!
Insights on Information and Education
“What do you mean, a war?”
Experts from The “Sylni” co-authored this book “What do you mean, a war?” by psychologist Ilya Poludyonny and writer Mark Livin, published by “Nash Format”. It explores trauma responses during the full-scale invasion.
“The Witch of Konotop”
The Foundation acted as an informational partner for this film “The Witch of Konotop”, ensuring proper disclaimers and offering support contacts for potentially retraumatized viewers. Our team also conducted a consultation for the authors at the stage of the finished material to ensure a serious attitude towards the audience and viewers and to maintain sensitivity to difficult topics.
“A Pose of Silence”
In November 2024, “Sylni” joined the information support of the initiative, promoting safe communication. The performance "A Pose of Silence", based on the true story of dramatist Yuliia Gonchar, raises important issues of protecting boundaries and combating violence in the digital environment. Co-founder of the foundation, psychotherapist Nadiia Volchenska, shared practical advice on maintaining personal boundaries and building healthy relationships in the context of the information campaign.
“Dushka” Collaboration
At the end of the year, we launched a joint project with the Ukrainian cosmetic brand "Dushka", the founder of which supported our idea of a joint collaboration. As part of this partnership, we worked together to form a desire for personal safety, establish our own boundaries, and promote intolerance for their violation. For three months, we publish informative and inspiring posts on social networks on the topic of body acceptance, love, and sexual violence.
Developing a Network of Partnerships and Collaborations
“Vilnyy Step” Platform
Through our partnership with the NGO "Resource Center "Lisova Polyana", Foundation has joined the "Vilnyy step" project - an online platform that provides free comprehensive support to people who survived captivity, suffered from torture, CRSV and their families. This cooperation allows survivos to learn about the foundation's assistance and contact us through the platform, receiving the necessary support.
Creating the course “How to Communicate with people after trauma?”
Nadiia Volchenska, co-founder of the foundation and a psychotherapist with 15 years of experience, participated in the creation of the course “Communicating with people traumatized by war.” The course was developed jointly with the Ministry of Health and the National Health Service of Ukraine. The main goal of the course is to teach medical professionals how to properly communicate and provide support to people who have experienced traumatic events.
Joined the “1325 Coalition” in Kyiv
In 2024, our foundation became a member of the 1325 Coalition in Kyiv, which works to implement the UN resolution “Women, Peace, Security.” This partnership will strengthen our work to protect women’s rights and their participation in decision-making processes in the security and defense sector, as well as expand opportunities for cooperation with state self-government bodies and partners in the field of women’s leadership.
Two years of cooperation with “Kurazh”
For the second year in a row, Sylni Foundation has placed its information materials at every Kurazh charity market in Kyiv. Thanks to this cooperation, we can disseminate information about helping people who have experienced sexual and sexualized violence among a conscious and progressive audience, thanks to which we strengthen the message about the importance of sexual safety.
Media Coverage
In 2024, we focused on big stories that would help us better tell about our work and the experiences people bring to us. A particular focus for us was working with foreign media.
8 major publications and broadcasts, including:
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“Black Diplomats” podcast
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The i Paper UK
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“Channel 5”
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“United News” (telethon)
Total reach: 808,000+ contacts
Social Media Impact:
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227,000+ Instagram reach
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5,427 post saves
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23,803 total likes, shares, and comments
2024 taught us to be flexible, adapt to changes, and find new solutions for complex situations. It emphasized the importance of a systematic approach to work – both externally and within the team.
2024 became a year of persistent work in fundraising. For the foundation's existence and development. We are grateful to companies and brands for their systematic support of the foundation's work and for their openness to joint projects that create safe spaces for your audiences. Despite challenges and difficulties, we remain true to our working principles and put people and their experiences at the center. We respect the needs of each person under our care and conclude our work with them when we are confident they have received everything necessary to live despite the trauma they have experienced.
We managed to create a safe space of trust where everyone can receive professional support. The stories of those under our care, which we began sharing this year, are the best confirmation that systematic help and support can change people's lives for the better.
The Charitable Foundation “Sylni” is going through a transformational period that will allow us to become better and more effectively provide assistance to victims of sexual violence. We are grateful to colleagues and partners who support this and on whom our success depends.
Together we are making a tremendous contribution to the recovery and healing of those who need it most.
Co-founders of the "Strong" Charitable Foundation
Yaryna Vyshenska and Nadiia Volchenska