ELIMINATING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT

“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

For thousands of years, humanity has grappled with the scourge of violence and conflict. Conflict is almost as old as the existence of man. With conflict comes all kinds of impact, effect and lasting damage. One of the damaging effects of conflict is “Sexual violence”.

The World Health Organization (WHO), defines sexual violence as any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments, or advances using coercion by any person, regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work.

According to the United Nations (UN), the term “sexual violence in conflict” refers to rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage, and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls, or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict.

It is using the negative environment created by conflict to perpetrate acts of sexual violence. Many people have died in silence, never to be remembered for the horrors they faced. Others are dying in silence, unsure of who to open up to; others are afraid of the stigma and ridicule they may face eventually.

On June 19, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/69/293) proclaimed June 19 of each year as the “International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict”, in order to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence and also to honor the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world. Examples of sexual violence are child abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, and indecent exposure or flashing.

Who is affected by sexual violence?

Anyone can experience sexual violence. It happens to people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, sexualities, faiths, and ethnicities. This includes children, older people, and disabled people. Research shows that the majority of victims and survivors of sexual violence are women and girls. However, men and boys can also experience sexual violence.

Sexual violence causes psychological effects, sexual and reproductive effects, physical effects, behavioral effects, and fatal effects (death, terminal disease, e.g., AIDS).

Over the years, concerned individuals have taken it upon themselves to fight this menace and put an end to it all over the world. Sexual violence can be eliminated by government policies and intervention, giving young girls and women all over the world free or cheap access to internet facilities to make them aware of changes and innovations. Perpetrators should be dealt with thoroughly and decisively. Victims should also be encouraged to speak up and seek help. Finally, rehabilitation and therapy centers should be built for victims to find a safe haven and be nurtured back to normalcy.

Here at Enabilityot, our professional therapists and practitioners have the relevant training, experience, and materials to help you or your loved ones get back on their feet and go back to living life as normal as others, without the stigma and/or other associated effects of their traumatic experiences. At Enabilityot, our professionals are available to assist victims and survivors of sexual violence to regain their identity and go back to living their lives normally. Visit www.enabilityot.com for more information and help.