Sexual violence anywhere is destructive, degrading, dehumanizing, and extremely underreported. In conflict settings, the breakdown of health and justice systems makes it that much harder for survivors to report violence and to access care.

“I did not report the incident because there was nowhere to report,” explained Rose, a rape survivor in Burundi. “Reprisals and stigma scared me and I was young. I lacked trust in the police and law enforcement authorities. I was also ashamed of myself and I did not want anyone to know about it.”

“I was running from place to place without food or shelter. I was in fear all the time… There was no safe place for me until I got to the safe house,” said Selam, who experienced repeated sexual violence in Ethiopia.

In Kosovo, Teuta was raped by a soldier when she was just 9 years old. Her grandmother took care of her after the attack, but she told Teuta that the crime was “shameful” and to never speak about it again.

UNFPA not only provides care to survivors of violence, but also works to sensitize health care workers and communities to the experiences of survivors of sexual violence so that they have somewhere and someone to turn to.

Your support makes this critical work possible. Will you make a gift today to be there for survivors and help keep women and girls safe from harm?

Violence can happen to any woman or girl, anywhere, regardless of her race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexuality, or other identity. Each experience of violence strips away their right to safety, dignity, autonomy, and respect.

That’s why we’re addressing violence against women and girls at the individual, community, and national levels — because violence against women and girls is often tolerated and perpetuated by those in power.

UNFPA’s work to end violence against women and girls includes:

• Supporting survivors of violence with clinical treatment for rape, legal aid, mental health counseling, and safe spaces, so they can get the care they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
• Working with communities to raise awareness about women’s rights, including by engaging religious leaders, community elders, and men and boys.
• Advocating for governments to adopt policies that safeguard women’s health and rights and further gender equality.

Are you ready to support this work by making a gift that will help end violence against women around the globe? Make a gift to reach survivors of violence with care and support our work with communities to advocate for women and girls’ rights, health, and safety.

Thank you for standing with survivors of sexual violence.

— USA for UNFPA