Sexual Violence

California lawmakers are considering a bill for the fourth year to allow abuse survivors to cite trauma as a legal defense for violent crimes. Susan Bustamante, a former inmate advocating for the measure, argues it would help victims of trafficking and domestic violence, though police and prosecutors oppose it.

In Ethiopia, women soldiers report experiencing sexual violence amid rising war fears. The article highlights their concerns that addressing these issues may undermine the enemy's actions.

Hong Kong society is addressing challenges with sexual violence, harassment, and online exploitation, prompting the government to consult on improving sexual offences laws. The initiative aims to clarify the definition of 'consent' and establish a modern legal framework.

Tens of thousands in France marched to support a comprehensive law against sexual violence, following the rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna in May. The protests aim to address the issue through legislative action.

Summary executions, abductions, torture, and sexual violence are occurring in el-Obeid, Sudan. The UN's human rights chief has called for global action to prevent further atrocities.

A new UN Human Rights report reveals the widespread use of conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan since April 2023, highlighting its role as a tactic to terrorize civilians and its impact on victims and communities.

The article calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israel's alleged genocidal use of sexual violence, citing evidence of systematic sexual assaults against Palestinian detainees.

South Sudan's sexual violence crisis is highlighted as a persistent issue beyond wartime, revealing failures by the state, peacekeeping missions, and justice mechanisms in protecting civilians. The article underscores systemic shortcomings in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

South Sudan faces a persistent sexual violence crisis that is not solely a wartime issue. The crisis highlights serious failures by the state, peacekeeping missions, and justice mechanisms in protecting civilians.

Marius Borg Høiby was sentenced to four years in prison for domestic violence and two counts of rape. The case, involving Norway's royal family member, highlights ongoing issues of sexual violence despite the country's reputation for gender equality.

A new clinic in Minneapolis, operated by Southside Community Health Services, will offer the state’s first out-of-hospital forensic exam and follow-up care for survivors of sexual violence. The clinic, opening in early July, provides immediate medical and mental health evaluations, forensic exams by Hennepin Healthcare’s team, and long-term services to address health disparities linked to sexual violence.

Sexual violence is increasing in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province as conflict between Islamist militants and government forces persists. The region, rich in natural resources, has seen years of attacks and military reprisals, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the violence.

Relatives of women detained by Russia and former prisoners rallied in Kyiv, urging authorities to prioritize civilians in prisoner exchanges with Moscow. Organizers stated thousands of women may remain in Russian captivity and highlighted documented sexual violence and abuse in detention facilities across occupied territories and Russia.

Transactional sex, defined as exchanging sex for money, food, or favours, is prevalent among young people in Africa. Studies show 10% in South Africa, 23% in Nigeria, and 25% in Uganda have engaged in this practice, linked to unintended pregnancies, sexual violence, and HIV infections.

The article discusses reports of sexual abuse in Israeli prisons, highlighting a testimony that is part of a broader pattern documented in these facilities. The issue of sexual violence is presented as a significant concern within the prison system.

The death of 11-year-old Lyhanna, found in an abandoned silo, has sparked outrage in France, with critics claiming her death was preventable due to a slow justice system that failed to detain the main suspect despite prior sexual violence reports. Activist groups are demanding stricter laws to protect women and children.

The article discusses how Israel inherited a chain of sexual violence against Palestinians, which was initially built by Britain and refined by France. It frames this as part of a colonial legacy passed down through these nations.

Palestinian prisoners have reported mistreatment in Israeli custody for years. Recent claims following Oct. 7 include allegations of sexual violence.

Women in Kenya's Dadaab Refugee Camp, particularly minority women, face threats of sexual violence and have learned to remain invisible to survive. The article highlights their strategies for enduring these challenges in a hostile environment.

A report by Truth Hounds documents crimes at the Izoliatsiia detention facility in occupied Donetsk, including torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and unlawful imprisonment. Survivor testimonies and evidence suggest the prison remains active over a decade after its seizure.

Ukraine’s Andrii Melnyk urged the UN to suspend Russian personnel from peacekeeping missions due to a UN report citing 310 cases of conflict-related sexual violence by Russian forces. He emphasized that Moscow’s role in UN mechanisms on children in armed conflict and sexual violence should not be symbolic.

Pope Leo XIV denounced sexual violence by Catholic clergy as a 'scourge' and called for a 'culture of care' in the Church. He is set to meet privately with victims in Spain.

Pope Leo XIV denounced sexual violence by Catholic clergy as a 'scourge' and advocated for a 'culture of care' in the Church. He is set to meet privately with victims in Spain.

The UN has added Israel and Russia to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict, citing abuse by security forces including the rape of male detainees. The UN verified 31 cases of sexual abuse involving Palestinian men, women, and children in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank between 2023 and 2025, including gang-rapes and use of sexual violence as torture.

A UN report accuses Israeli forces of abuses against Palestinian detainees and documents hundreds of sexual violence cases linked to Russian forces in Ukraine. Both Israel and Russia deny the allegations.

Israel's Foreign Ministry mocked activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, claiming injuries were staged for cameras. Activists detained and deported by Israeli forces have accused them of abuse, torture, sexual violence, and rape.

The Taliban's recognition of child marriage in Afghanistan has led to the forced marriage of girls and infants, with families fearing sexual violence against minors before puberty. The practice highlights a severe violation of human rights under Taliban rule.

Gaza flotilla activists claim they were physically and sexually abused by Israeli forces during detention. Israel's prison service denies the allegations, calling them false.

Gaza flotilla activists claim they were physically and sexually abused by Israeli forces during detention, while Israel's prison service denies the allegations. The detainees reported being slapped, hit, humiliated, and subjected to sexual violence.

A 15-year-old boy discovered he had HIV after being deliberately infected by a rapist predator while getting off the school bus. The incident highlights a traumatic case of sexual violence and deliberate disease transmission.

Systematic sexual violence and harassment by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the occupied West Bank are being used as tools to intimidate Palestinians. The acts are reported to displace local communities and suppress resistance.

Victims of sexual violence reported feeling distressed during a parliamentary evidence session where MPs used aggressive questioning. The victims’ commissioner filed a formal complaint after one attendee broke down emotionally. The session, part of a committee reviewing the Courts and Tribunals Bill, focused on controversial jury trial changes.

CNN warns of Democratic Party fragmentation over Michigan Senate candidate's alignment with a progressive streamer criticized for excusing sexual violence. The article highlights tensions within the 'big tent' strategy as the candidate's association with the streamer sparks controversy.