Rape: Rape as a weapon of war
Rape is used in armed conflicts to intimidate, conquer and control women and their communities. It is used as a form of torture to extract information, punish and terrorize.
Contempt for the “enemy” and for women finds expression in rape and other forms of sexual violence. Propaganda portrays women as embodying the honour of a community and an attack on women is seen as an attack on an entire community. Women are raped in front of their families to deepen their sense of shame. In violence focused on women’s role as mothers of the next generation, women’s bodies are mutilated and foetuses destroyed.
The survivors of rape and other forms of sexual violence often do not speak out. They may be at risk of harsh punishment or even death for bringing “dishonour” on the family. Others may be infected with HIV/AIDS and face social rejection. Access to health care may be manipulated for political reasons. Most never receive justice for the crimes against them.
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