Women in need

I am from the city of Lyman, Donetsk region. In December, during another Russian shelling, my husband sustained severe shrapnel injuries and was taken to Dnipro for treatment, while my 77-year-old mother and I were evacuated to Sloviansk. We left with only the clothes we were wearing and had to leave all our belongings behind in Lyman. I am asking for help.

My 20-year-old son was returning home by minibus when he came under shelling. He sustained gunshot shrapnel wounds to the liver and abdominal cavity, as well as a crushed kidney. He is currently in the intensive care unit of the Kherson Regional Hospital. We have almost no money. I am asking for help to support my son during his treatment in the hospital.

I divorced my abusive husband and moved with my three young children (ages 7, 5, and 3) into a rented apartment. He wouldn’t let us live in peace: he was violent, caused constant disturbances, and abused alcohol. During the move and the divorce, I had to borrow money because the children are often ill and the rent has to be paid. I have already found a job at a bakery, but I am still unable to get out of the financial crisis. I feel completely overwhelmed and discouraged.

Because of delays in social benefits, I and my two young children — a 4-month-old daughter and a 7-year-old son — have been left without funds. We are internally displaced persons from the city of Lyman and are currently living in Novi Ushytsi with people who have temporarily taken us in. IDP payments and low-income family support were stopped in September, and it is still unknown when they will be resumed, so we are surviving on 860 UAH per month in child benefits.

In October, my 13-year-old daughter tragically passed away. I am living through profound grief and am in a very difficult psychological state, but I also have a 3-year-old daughter who desperately needs me. She is currently in the hospital and has a speech delay. Due to the trauma I have experienced and my condition, I was prescribed treatment, part of which I have already completed. It is necessary to continue the treatment for another three months. I am working, but I am not able to cover the full cost of the required medications on my own. I am asking for help.

I live with my mother, who did not raise me, has a criminal record, and was released from a pre-trial detention center six months ago. She abuses alcohol, and I live in constant conflict and shouting; there has also been physical violence. Because of her actions, I stayed in a crisis shelter for some time, but later had to return home. I have been diagnosed with depression, which prevents me from working full-time. I am asking for financial support to help cover utility bills and to purchase basic food for myself and the two dogs I care for.