Dear John, 

Over her lifetime, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence — regardless of age, background, or country — which means that sexual violence impacts women and girls in epidemic proportions. However, despite the pervasiveness of these crimes, laws around the world are insufficient, inconsistent, not systematically enforced, and, in some instances, even promote and perpetuate sexual violence.
How we are working to end sexual violence

At Equality Now, we support justice actors from around the world to understand how a comprehensive, gender-sensitive investigation and prosecution, properly conducted, would lead to improved justice for survivors of sexual violence. Because all acts of sexual violence are about power, control, and entitlement and not sexual desire, there are universal pillars that can be applied to prevent and end the practice. At Equality Now, we know that ending sexual violence everywhere requires:
  • Good Laws
  • Effective Implementation
  • Intersectional Analysis
Explore our resources this Sexual Assault Awareness Month
GOOD LAWS
Around the world, sexual violence laws are failing survivors. From proof of force requirements to discriminatory evidentiary burdens and permitting marital rape to statutes of limitations that place a time limit within which victims can get justice, laws and policies pertaining to sexual violence – especially rape – frequently blame survivors for their own abuse and perpetuate the cycle of harm.

In order to end sexual violence, laws that stigmatize victims and hinder the possibility for justice and accountability must be replaced by laws that reflect the true nature of sexual violence, exclude negative stereotypes and myths, and are informed by the experiences of survivors.

Explore our research into sexual violence laws and implementation around the world:
EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION

Good laws are a critical first step, but they alone are not enough to prevent sexual violence and deliver justice to survivors. Laws are only effective if they are properly implemented and that requires educating the population on their rights and properly training those who are tasked with carrying out the law.

Explore our resources created to support the effective implementation of sexual violence laws: 
INTERSECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Marginalized groups are more likely to experience sexual violence, and to have had negative interactions with the criminal justice system. An intersectional lens must be integrated into laws, policies, and procedures and followed from the outset, as every survivor is entitled to justice and support, and systems must be designed to cater to a diverse range of needs and identities.

Explore our groundbreaking resources on the intersection of sexual violence and disability: 
Explore our resource on ending sexual violence in South Asia and information on the impact of sexual violence on adolescent girls in Mexico.

In solidarity,

Jacqui Hunt 
Global Lead on Ending Sexual Violence, Equality Now 

PS: We’re growing our resource library all the time. Tomorrow, we’re hosting a webinar to launch our latest report on sexual violence in the metaverse. Join us, together with AUDRi and Vulnera to explore the potential for applying and adapting existing criminal laws to metaverse scenarios. Join us on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2 PM UTC. Register now.
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