As Alla emphasizes, continuous support is important when working with survivors and witnesses. Under normal circumstances, people can control their own lives, make plans, and fulfil them. All of that can be disrupted by the trauma that victims of CRSV experience.

“To help, we need to be in constant contact with the survivors,” Alla says. “We ask them, for example, ‘How are you?’, ‘Do you want to meet up?’, ‘Do you need anything?’ In other words, there’s continuous contact.”

Psychologists also prepare survivors and witnesses for court hearings and accompany them at hearings.

“I have clients whom I fully guide through this process and (with whom) I participate in all hearings,” Alla says. “It’s difficult for them to talk about what happened, let alone talk about it not just once, but many times. So when we work with a client for a month, or two, or three, we create an atmosphere of trust and they feel safe being with us, so just being there is important. They sometimes say – ‘You’re here, and that makes me feel safe.’ Post-trial support is also important. I can't let a client go without making sure they feel well.”

At the same time, raising awareness is essential for eradicating stereotypes and prejudices about CRSV. For example, according to Alla’s experience, men ask for psychological support less frequently. 

“There may be a stereotype that asking for psychological support is a sign of weakness,” Alla notes. “So awareness-raising efforts are important for explaining that psychological support is a sign of self-care, not weakness.” 

According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, as of June 2025, out of 363 cases of CRSV, 134 involved male survivors. In addition, there is a large number of undocumented cases, as many persons who have experienced CRSV do not report it to law enforcement agencies. This again highlights the importance of addressing prejudices and stereotypes, which can create barriers to psychological recovery and the restoration of justice.