In contemporary conflicts, sexual violence is not a side effect but, rather, ...

In contemporary conflicts, sexual violence is not a side effect but, rather, a front line consideration. Civilians, mostly women and girls, are often the deliberate targets of such violence. Sexual violence in conflict situations is frequently invisible but rarely non-existent. The international community was shocked by the reported mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of Congo in July and August this year. However, alarming news on sexual violence is also coming from other conflict and post-conflict situations.