Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) theme focuses on the incidence and prevalence of violence against women in conflict and post-conflict settings. Polarisation of gender roles, proliferation of weapons, militarisation, and the breakdown of law influence SGBV.

The risk of SGBV is heightened during conflict by aggravating factors, including the polarization of gender roles, the proliferation of arms, the militarization of society, and the breakdown of law and order. The subsequent long-term and complex impacts of SGBV continue to affect individuals and communities after conflict ends.

SGBV is addressed in all five resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. In SCR 1888, the Security Council expresses its intention to ensure peacekeeping mandate resolutions contain provisions on the prevention of, and response to, sexual violence, with corresponding reporting requirements to the Council (OP11). The resolutions deal with protecting women from violence (1820,OP3, 8-10; 1888,OP3,12); strengthening local and national institutions to assist victims of sexual violence (1820,OP13; 1888,OP13); and including strategies to address sexual violence in post-conflict peacebuilding processes (1820,OP11). SCR 1820 also calls for the participation of women in the development of mechanisms intended to protect women from violence (OP10).

Lastly, SCR 1960 creates institutional tools and teeth to combat impunity and outlines specific steps needed for both the prevention of and protection from conflict-related sexual violence. The new “naming and shaming,” listing mechanism mandated in the Resolution is a step forward in bringing justice for victims and a recognition that sexual violence is a serious violation of human rights and international law.

Addressing SGBV is an integral aspect of the overall Women, Peace and Security agenda. SGBV affects the health and safety of women, and also has significant impact on economic and social stability. The Security Council recognises that sexual violence can threaten international peace and security, and that it is frequently used as a tactic of war to dominate, humiliate, terrorise, and displace.

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BLOG: Tales From the Global Sex Trade

Opponents of immigration often prefer to ignore the tragic forces that compel people to risk death in order to reach our lands of plenty, not to mention the horrors that often await the “lucky” few, once they do arrive. Imagine an Underground Railroad in which the conductor robs and rapes his passengers, and the station porter, once they've disembarked, ushers them into a new form of slavery.

CAMPAIGN/OTHER: USDOJ: Justice Department Announces $6.9 Million in Grants to Engage Men in Preventing Crimes Against Women

The United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) announced $6.9 million in awards to 23 projects in the Engaging Men in Preventing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Grant Program (Engaging Men Grant Program).

CAMPAIGN: Congo Story War, Women and Rape

Congolese tell the stories of their lives, breaking the silence and bringing the attention of the world to the remote villages of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Submit your own media on rape as a weapon of war to the video call-outs here.

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In an effort to address the harrowing statistics, the UNM Women's Resource Center will host an event today to discuss services available for victims and survivors.

CAMPAIGN: Dear Hillary Campaign Join Hands for Congo Washington DC

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“When I woke up, he covered my mouth and he sexually abused me,” said the 21-year-old Coachella Valley resident who asked that only her middle name be used for this story.

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Sexual Assault Family Violence Director Linda Cummings organized a “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” walk last Thursday in recognition of April being sexual assault awareness month. The walk aims to raise community awareness of sexual assault and family violence, and is held annually. Police officers joined SAFV staff and volunteers to walk the Bear River Trail on Thursday, to support community awareness of sexual assault.

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