6 Devastating Effects of War on Families

War, with its devastating might, reshapes the world not just on maps but in the intimate spaces of the family home. Behind the strategic discussions and the political debates lie the fragmented lives of countless families, bearing the brunt of conflicts that tear through the fabric of their daily existence. According to reports published last year by Save the Children, more than 468 million children, or more than 1 in 6 worldwide, live in areas affected by armed conflict. These reports underscore the widespread impact of war on innocent lives, amplifying the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by families in conflict zones.

As we delve into the ways war reshapes family life, we uncover stories of displacement, economic hardship, psychological scars, and interrupted education. This article aims to bring these stories to light, showing the resilience of families in the face of adversity and the urgent need for global support and action.

1. Displacement of Families From Their Homes

The scourge of war brings with it a wave of displacement, tearing families from the roots of their homes and thrusting them into the uncertainty of flight. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine serves as a recent example, with the Ukrainian authorities estimating around 4.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). This figure includes both those displaced in the recent conflict and those who were already living as IDPs before the escalation on 24 February 2022. The impact of this crisis is profound, with nearly half (47 percent) of individuals in the east and south of the country reporting their homes have suffered damage or have been completely destroyed. Furthermore, a significant majority, 57 percent of those displaced across Ukraine, have been living in this state of limbo for over 18 months, struggling to find stability in the shadow of ongoing conflict.

Anjela, a 44-year-old from Mykolaiv, puts a human face on these statistics with her harrowing account.

“We decided to be the first ones to flee the village. We simply took a blanket and tore it into pieces to make white flags. We walked 15 kilometers under the shelling, one after another. We were afraid of being shot so we needed to run fast,” she said, detailing the desperate measures her family took to escape the destruction that left them displaced for almost two years.

2. Loss of Loved Ones

The loss of loved ones stands as one of the most profound and heart-wrenching impacts of war on families. Whether it’s the tragic result of bombings, shootings, or other violent acts, each death creates a void that cannot be filled, forever altering the dynamics of family life.

In places like Iraq and Libya, where violence has become an all-too-familiar reality, families bear the weight of unimaginable sorrow. The constant threat of danger looms over every aspect of daily life, casting a pervasive shadow of fear and uncertainty. Despite their resilience, families in these war-torn regions struggle to find solace amidst the chaos and devastation that surrounds them. Every passing moment becomes a poignant reminder of their loss, as they valiantly strive to preserve hope and hold onto cherished memories, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Tetiana Putiatina’s tragic story from Ukraine vividly exemplifies this reality. Standing outside the charred remains of her home on 32 Kotelnia Street, she recounted the fateful night when she had been visiting a relative, only to return the next morning to find her son Hryhory and his family among the victims of an unexpected attack. Despite years of efforts to keep their three boys safe, Hryhory, a builder, and his wife Olna, who worked at the local prosecutor’s office, were unable to shield their family from the devastation that unfolded on February 10. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the unfathomable loss experienced by families caught in the crossfire of war.

3. Psychological Effect on Families

© UNICEF/Tom Remp

Just as war forcibly uproots families from their homes, it also leaves indelible marks on their mental well-being. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant increase in mental health issues among affected populations. In fact, studies indicate that over 22% of individuals who have experienced war or conflict in the previous decade suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

These statistics illuminate the unseen toll of war on the minds of those caught in its crossfire. Behind every number lies a story of anguish, trauma, and resilience as families grapple with the psychological scars of conflict, striving to find healing and hope amidst the chaos.

4. Separation of Families

War often tears families apart, leaving loved ones separated and unable to find each other.  In conflict-affected regions like Ukraine, loved ones are often forcibly separated as families flee their homes in search of safety. Chaotic evacuations and displacement further exacerbate the disintegration of familial ties, with family members scattered in different directions, uncertain of each other’s whereabouts or safety.

The emotional toll of separation is profound, as families endure the agonizing uncertainty of whether they will ever be reunited. Parents are torn from their children, siblings are separated, and spouses are parted, each facing the harrowing prospect of navigating the trials of war alone. In Ukraine, where conflict has displaced millions and shattered communities, families are left to grapple with the heart-wrenching reality of not knowing if their loved ones are alive or dead, safe or in harm’s way.

The anguish of separation reverberates through generations, leaving scars that may never fully heal. Children grow up without the comforting presence of their parents, spouses are left to navigate the challenges of daily life without their partners, and elderly relatives are left isolated and vulnerable, longing for the companionship of their families. 

5. Interruption of Children’s Education

The disruption of education by war is a tragedy that reverberates far beyond the confines of the classroom. In conflict zones worldwide, millions of children are denied their right to learn and grow, as schools are transformed into battlegrounds or shuttered altogether. The consequences are dire, particularly in places like Afghanistan and South Sudan, where entire generations of children are robbed of the chance to break the cycle of poverty through education. Without access to quality schooling, these children face a future fraught with uncertainty, their potential stifled by the absence of learning opportunities.

Furthermore, even for those fortunate enough to attend school amidst conflict, the quality of education is severely compromised. Teachers, the backbone of any education system, flee violence or are unable to perform their duties effectively due to the chaos of war. Educational resources become scarce, with books, supplies, and even basic facilities like classrooms in short supply.

In Ukraine, for example, where conflict has raged for years, schools have been damaged or repurposed for military use, leaving students and teachers alike struggling to continue their education amidst the devastation. Since the war began, over 2,600 schools have been damaged and over 400 destroyed across Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Education. 

The interruption of education not only robs children of a promising future but also deprives societies of the intellectual capital needed for reconstruction and development. Without educated citizens, communities struggle to rebuild in the aftermath of conflict, perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability. The long-term consequences of disrupted education are profound, hindering progress and perpetuating the cycle of violence for generations to come. 

6. Loss of Livelihoods

Source: www.givetolearntogrow.org

War inflicts extensive damage on economies and businesses, upending livelihoods and plunging families into dire financial straits. In places such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, the repercussions are particularly severe, as job losses mount, farms are ravaged, and markets collapse under the weight of conflict. Families find themselves stripped of their means of sustenance, grappling with poverty and desperation in the aftermath of war’s devastation.

As businesses shutter and employment opportunities vanish, households are left without the financial resources needed to secure basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. The once-thriving economic ecosystems of these regions crumble, leaving families teetering on the brink of destitution. In the absence of stable income and resources, the challenges of survival become even more daunting, amplifying the already immense hardships faced by families in war-torn areas.

What You Can Do to Help

At Transform Ukraine, we understand the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions for families affected by the ongoing conflict. That’s why we’ve launched a groundbreaking initiative to construct Tiny Homes in Uzhhorod, providing longer-term housing support for those in need.

These Tiny Homes are more than just shelters; they represent a beacon of hope for families striving to rebuild their lives amidst adversity. By offering safe, sustainable housing, we aim to alleviate the burden of uncertainty and provide families with the stability they desperately need.

With your support, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless Ukrainians. Your donation will contribute directly to the construction of these Tiny Homes, providing families with a place to call their own and the opportunity to thrive in a supportive community environment.

Join us in our mission to build a brighter future for Ukraine. Your donation today will help transform lives and create a legacy of hope for generations to come. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families affected by conflict. Click here to donate.