Women and girls torture survivors

In 2003, researchers questioned a random sample of almost 400 Liberian women living in refugee camps in Sierra Leon. About 74% reported they had been sexually abused prior to their displacement. More than half responded that they had been sexually abused during their displacement.(1)

While this may seem like an extreme example, it echoes the reality for many women and girls around the world. Rape and sexual abuse have been common weapons of war in the more than 100 armed conflicts that occurred between 1989 and 1997.

And in the aftermath of armed conflict, women are continually targeted, exploited, and abused – from life in refugee camps, the post-war collapse of justice systems, or the absence of healthcare facilitates to adequately treat the survivors of sexual violence.

In coordination with our five-year strategy, the IRCT wishes to focus on particularly ‘hidden’ victims of torture – in this case, the women and girls who have faced sexual violence and torture both during conflict and in peacetime.

With the help of a generous donor from Spain, we have been able to provide grants to 22 member centres around the globe. Their geographic diversity is a testament to the widespread problem of sexual violence. However, their range of activities – from holistic psycho-social rehabilitation to livelihood programmes – demonstrated a passionate range of partners that are ready to address variety of needs of women and girls who are victims of sexual violence.

We will continually update this site with news, information, and new reports that address the issue of sexual violence and torture.

Please join us in continuing to highlight this global crime against marginalised women and girls, and highlight the work of our member centres and partners who offer their rehabilitative services.

1. M. Vlachova and L. Biason, eds. Women in an Insecure World: Violence Against Women: Facts, Figures and Analysis, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Geneva, 2005).