Vera, an 83-year-old retired teacher, told CBS News that her village was occupied by Russian forces last month when she was raped. For her safety, CBS News does not use her last name or identify the village where she lives. “He grabbed me by the throat,” he said. “I started drowning, I could not breathe.” “I said to the one who raped me, ‘I’m old enough to be your mother.’ Would you let that happen to your mother? “He continued.” It made me silent. ” Vera said her disabled husband was at home when she was attacked and beaten as well. “When it was over, he grabbed a bottle of vodka,” he said. “I asked if I could put my clothes back on. He barked, ‘No!’” When the man left her house, he fired his rifle into the air three times outside. The Ukrainian army transferred CBS News to the village of Vera because they had heard reports of sexual assault by Russian forces. Locals told us that others were raped there, including a 16-year-old girl. CBS News could not independently verify any of the allegations, but Vera’s story was detailed, fascinating and heartbreaking. He also reported it to the Ukrainian police, he told us, who took the leaves for inspection. “He should have shot me,” Vera said. “I wish he had killed me instead of what he did.” Vera said she believed her attacker was from the Far East of Ukraine, an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists where men have reportedly been recruited to fight for Russia. “Everything hurts,” he said. “I am in a state where I am neither dead nor alive. Before I felt happy with spring, now I feel nothing. I have nothing.” In the USA, help is provided to those who have survived sexual violence and their families. RAINN offers resources at 1-800-656-HOPE and their website, www.rainn.org More
