About sexual violence in conflict
Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is one of the most devastating yet underreported aspects of warfare.
Pramila Patten – United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict
CRSV encompasses rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution and other forms of sexual abuse perpetrated in the context of war or conflict.
These crimes have stained each and every conflict and war across history, delivering a lifetime of hardship and suffering for victims who survive their ordeals, devastating livelihoods, and dismantling communities.
Women and children are disproportionately affected,
accounting for 95% of reported cases, though men are also victims. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting survivor’s physical, mental, and reproductive health, as well as their access to education and livelihoods. Children born of wartime rape often face lifelong stigma and marginalisation.
Addressing CRSV is crucial for protecting societies and achieving lasting peace, justice, and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. This requires a multi-faceted approach including raising public awareness, supporting survivors and their children with access to legal, medical, and financial support, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.