What is the problem?
Women facing domestic or gender-based violence encounter numerous barriers to accessing support. Among the most significant challenges are the fear of leaving a familiar, though traumatic, environment; a lack of support from others; and concerns for their children's safety. Many women lack the financial resources to live independently from their abuser, and even basic needs like transportation—essential for leaving a dangerous situation quickly and safely—can be difficult to secure.
What is the solution?
In the Poltava region, the charitable organization Light of Hope has launched a new service — a social taxi for women and children affected by domestic or gender-based violence. This free service operates across the region, offering quick and safe transportation to those in need.
The Social Taxi project is a collaboration between Intersos and its partner organization, Light of Hope charity organization, with support from UNHCR Ukraine, the UN Refugee Agency.
How does it work?
"Svitliachky" (a play on words in Ukrainian derived from the word "svitlo", which means "light") is the nickname and abbreviation used by Poltava residents and clients to refer to the organization's specialists. Photo courtesy of the organization's archive
Light of Hope is well-known in Poltava and beyond for its dedicated work in supporting women who have been victims of domestic violence for over seven years. The organization offers women a safe environment where they can regain both physical and psychological safety. The psychological support and therapy provided help women "breathe" again and rediscover their strength.
"Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment, helping women transform their trauma into strength and find inspiration for personal growth. Over the years, we have built extensive experience in assisting the most vulnerable groups, making the creation of a social taxi a natural step in the evolution of our work," says Viktoriia Miroshnychenko, coordinator of the domestic and gender-based violence program at the Light of Hope.
At the Women's Shelter. Photo courtesy of the organization's archive
In 2017, the Light of Hope established a Shelter for Women Victims of Violence and has since expanded its range of services. Over time, the organization realized how challenging it is for communities and victims to secure the funds necessary to transport themselves and their families to a safe place.
"Transportation is not a luxury, nor just a means of getting from one place to another. It is a vital tool for ensuring the safety of women who have made the decision to leave a dangerous environment," the organization emphasizes.
The project was inspired by successful examples from other countries, where similar services have been operating for years. One such example is in the USA, where similar initiatives have long been in place.
How does it work?
Fast, safe, round-the-clock
One of the cars from the social taxi service Light of Hope. Photo courtesy of the organization's archive
Often, a woman fleeing from an abusive partner to protect herself and her child may find herself on the street, without documents, money, and in a state of complete despair.
The social taxi service offers free transportation for victims, taking them to the Shelter of the Light of Hope, where they will receive protection and assistance, or to another safe location of their choice. The service is available at any time of the day. Victims can call, request a taxi through their community's social service, or contact the police.
"The social taxi operates based on the needs identified by our facilitators, who work in fifteen communities across the Poltava region. They respond directly to the personal requests of the victims," says Miroshnychenko.
Miroshnychenko emphasizes that the taxi drivers have undergone specialized training on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and have gained knowledge on handling crisis situations. In emergencies, the organization involves the police to address cases of domestic violence.
A case manager is always sent with the driver to accompany the women to crisis rooms or shelters, where they are given temporary accommodation, as well as social and psychological support. All information about the women using this service is kept confidential.
"We recognize the importance of confidentiality, which is why the entire process—calling and transportation—is organized in a way that prevents the abuser from discovering the woman's actions. The taxi arrives as quickly as possible, and the drivers are ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the woman's safety," adds the project coordinator.
Does it really work ?
Currently, the project operates two vehicles, which, according to the project coordinator, fully meet the existing needs.
"The situation with gender-based and domestic violence in the Poltava region remains challenging. We frequently encounter cases of physical and psychological violence, as well as economic pressure, which leave women and their children in desperate situations. One story that stands out is of a mother with many children who, after years of abuse, gathered the courage to escape and literally start a new life from scratch. The social taxi helped her and her children reach a shelter, where they received a safe place to stay, the chance to recover, and the necessary support," shares the Light of Hope representative.
The organization is currently expanding its information campaign throughout the region to ensure more women are aware of this service. This is especially crucial during the war, when incidents of violence are on the rise, and women need even more support.
Viktoriia Miroshnychenko, coordinator of the direction of combating domestic and gender-based violence at the NGO Light of Hope. Photo from the organization's archive
"For me, this project is not just a job, but a mission. Every woman we save is a step toward achieving zero tolerance for violence. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve our work. It is crucial that society understands the importance of such projects and supports them. A social taxi is just one of the tools, but it can save lives," says Miroshnychenko.
The organization shares its experience: if you are planning to establish a similar service in your city, it is essential to collaborate with local communities and seek financial support from international partners. Proper staff training, along with ensuring confidentiality and safety during transportation, is also critical.
Even more useful solutions!
Suffering from domestic violence?
"Do you feel ashamed to speak up because you believe family quarrels should not be public? Speak up!" — emphasizes the NGO Light of Hope. The organization offers the following guidance:
- Do not tolerate the abuser. Reach out to the police, friends, family, or trusted individuals. Representatives of charitable organizations are also available to help.
- Develop a personal security plan: make copies of all important documents and duplicate keys to your home.
- Set aside a small amount of money and gather essential items to be prepared for a crisis situation.
- Inform your neighbors or loved ones to call the police if they hear yelling or arguments. Write down important phone numbers on a separate piece of paper if you don't have a mobile phone available.
- Believe that change is possible. Speak up, and you will be heard!
