Use your power to #EndRapeInWar
End Sexual Violence Against Women
1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to violence in their lifetime. Those who live in conflict zones are at even greater risk.
June 19 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.
Wherever conflict erupts, sexual violence is present. But no statistics or figures will ever depict the true scale of this horrific crime. For each rape reported in connection with a conflict, the UN estimates that 10 to 20 cases go undocumented. Sexual violence is often referred to as war’s oldest, most silenced, and least-condemned crime.
“You would think that the world would have changed and would have understood that wars don’t work. And that the raping of women in war or at any time must stop and it’s a war crime.”
-Zainab Salbi, Co-Founder, Women for Women International
In conflict-affected and fragile states, sexual violence is often employed as both a deliberate and strategic tactic of war and terrorism to instill fear and control and displace communities already under distress. Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) can include rape, forced marriage, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, forced sterilization, sexual exploitation or abuse, and human trafficking – all of which inflict long-lasting trauma on survivors, as well as their families and communities.
Conflict-related sexual violence is a growing threat, a violation of human rights, and impedes peacebuilding – it must be eliminated. It's time to support survivors and stop the violence, once and for all. Join our effort to #EndRapeInWar.
How you can get involved:
The Reality of Conflict Related Sexual Violence:
A GENDERED ISSUE
97% of sexual violence is committed against women and girls.
A GLOBAL ISSUE
19 countries have been identified as facing high conflict-related sexual violence.
ALL TOO COMMON
Nearly 50 women are raped in the Democratic Republic of Congo each hour and 68% of survivors are children.
PREVENTABLE
To really stop CRSV, we must tackle the root causes like gender discrimination, inequality, poverty, and victim-blaming.
ADVOCATE
Women deserve justice. Stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence to ensure they receive not only crucial physical and mental health services, but also legal action to truly heal from their trauma.
Sign our petition to demand that humanitarian response prioritize sexual and reproductive health services, including emergency contraception and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, as well as mental health services for survivors.
DONATE
Give an emergency donation to help us reach as many survivors as possible.
Right now, you can make TWICE the impact—All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.
COMMUNICATE
Hear from survivors and share their stories to raise awareness and action.
Podcast: What Makes Us Stronger
What makes us resilient in times of crisis? And how does conflict and hardship shape who we are?
Listen to courageous women who’ve lived through unbelievably difficult times in countries like Afghanistan, Syria and Democratic Republic of the Congo and found the strength to keep going.
Conflict-related sexual violence is a growing threat and must be eliminated. Support women survivors who are overcoming unspeakable trauma to build a better future for themselves and their families.