Six Ukrainian women share stories of the traumatic experience of sexual violence and torture they went through at the hands of Russian soldiers during the Russian aggression war in Ukraine from 2014 to 2023, for the sake of preserving memory and truth.   “Traces” weaves together the elements of their stories and life trajectories into a complex psychological multi-portrait, creating a picture of a collective trauma and a unique document of the crimes committed by the occupiers who came to Ukraine.  It’s a journey through the underworld of dark memories, with all its possible hidden traces to find a way out. Iryna, Liudmyla, Halyna, Tetiana, Olha, and Mefodiivna go through the difficult path on their way to recovery and unite to support each other.  Together, these women  also begin to work for a common goal: to break down stigma and silence and to search for justice. They are all members of SEMA UKRAINE, a community of Ukrainian women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

This film seeks to amplify the voices of Ukrainian survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, highlighting their unique stories and struggles through trauma. By documenting their experiences, the film aims to preserve their memories for future justice efforts while highlighting their unique needs to mobilise support. Through screenings in Ukraine and internationally, the film will raise awareness of this horrific crime committed by the Russian federation, reminding both the Ukrainian and global communities that CRSV persists, and serving as a call to action to support survivors. Ultimately, this project showcases the resilience and solidarity of survivors, fostering a movement for justice, healing, and meaningful change in Ukraine.