A new Human Rights Watch report details the horrific sexual violence perpetrated by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against nearly 80 women and girls in South Kordofan since September 2023. The abuses, which include gang rape and the use of sex slaves, primarily occurred at an RSF military base and constitute war crimes and potential crimes against humanity. While the RSF denies the accusations, claiming impersonators were responsible, HRW investigators documented the testimonies of numerous survivors, highlighting the widespread and systematic nature of the violence. The lack of accountability and the immense humanitarian crisis only exacerbates the suffering of these victims.
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The 18-month war in Sudan has led to a surge in sexual violence against women, with both sides implicated. This has prompted many women to join the Sudanese Armed Forces, seeking training in self-defense and a sense of security. While the women are primarily being used for propaganda purposes and not combat, they see the training as a way to protect themselves from the widespread violence and harassment they face. This training serves as a vital coping mechanism for women seeking empowerment and a sense of safety in a nation ravaged by war and rampant sexual abuse.
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As I sit here with a heavy heart and a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, the news of 26,000 raped women in Texas being forced to give birth since Dobbs weighs heavily on my mind. It’s a staggering number that highlights a deeper issue within our society. The fact that so many women have had to endure such a traumatic experience is beyond comprehension. The pain, the trauma, the fear that these women must have faced is unimaginable.
The statistics speak volumes about the prevalence of rape and sexual violence in our society. It is a harsh reality that only a small percentage of rapists are prosecuted, let alone spend time behind bars.… Continue reading
The recent incident of the rape and murder of a young medic in India has sparked a nationwide movement among physicians, leading to a significant strike across the country. This horrifying tragedy has once again brought to light the deep-rooted issues of sexual violence and misogyny that continue to plague Indian society. The brutal gang rape and murder of the medic, along with other similar incidents that have occurred in quick succession, are a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis that women face in India.
One of the most concerning aspects of the situation is the lack of accountability and justice when it comes to crimes against women in India.… Continue reading
Japan has recently revealed three more sexual violence cases involving US military personnel, sparking outrage and frustration among both the Japanese locals and former US military members who have been stationed in Japan. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions and issues surrounding the presence of US military bases in Japan, particularly in Okinawa where many of these cases have occurred.
Having had family members stationed in Okinawa, I have firsthand witnessed the negative impact that some US military personnel can have on the local community. The cases of sexual assault not only harm the victims but also strain the relationship between the US military and the Japanese locals.… Continue reading
The recent report from CNN about Russians increasingly raping Ukrainian men on occupied territories is disturbing and indicative of a troubling trend. The brutality and dehumanization that these individuals are subjected to are beyond comprehension. The lack of basic human decency and the blatant disregard for international law is alarming.
It is perplexing to see such heinous acts being carried out by a country that claims to uphold traditional Christian family values and vehemently opposes homosexuality. The hypocrisy within this context is staggering. How can a nation that decries the LGBTQ community engage in such abhorrent behavior towards their fellow human beings?… Continue reading
I was horrified to learn about the reports of sexual violence being perpetrated by Russian forces in occupied areas of Ukraine, especially against men. The idea that such heinous acts are being used as a tool of war is sickening and truly reflects the depths of cruelty that some individuals are capable of. It is a stark reminder of the brutality that can occur in times of conflict, and the devastating impact it has on the survivors.
The normalization of male on male sexual violence within the Russian military, as a form of initiation and discipline, is a disturbing reflection of the toxic masculinity and culture of dominance that seems to permeate their ranks.… Continue reading
It is a painful truth that often goes unacknowledged – the horrifying reality of sexual violence during times of war. The stories of French women who suffered at the hands of US soldiers during World War II are now coming to light, shedding a much-needed spotlight on a dark chapter in history. As someone who has always been taught to view the Allied forces as the heroes of the war, it is jarring to confront the harsh reality that even those who were supposed to be protecting innocent civilians could commit such atrocities.
The firsthand accounts of French women like Aimee Helaudais Honore, who was brutally raped by US soldiers while her daughter waited in fear, are a stark reminder of the untold suffering that war brings.… Continue reading
The recent news about the horrific incident in Manipur where two women were abandoned by the police and handed over to a violent mob that stripped and paraded them naked is truly gut-wrenching. I cannot begin to imagine the fear and trauma these women must have experienced at the hands of such a barbaric act. It is appalling to think that the very people who are supposed to protect and serve the community turned their backs on these women in their time of need.
This incident sheds light on the deep-rooted issue of sexual violence that seems to plague certain parts of India.… Continue reading
This recent news about Israel blasting the UN for excluding Hamas from the sexual violence blacklist has left me feeling disturbed and frustrated. When I think of the atrocities that have taken place in Gaza, it’s hard to comprehend how Hamas could be left off such a list. The reports of sexual assaults, rapes, and killings that have been documented seem undeniable. The fact that Israel even went so far as to show UN officials videos of these horrifying acts speaks volumes.
The UN’s decision to exclude Hamas due to a lack of credible evidence is perplexing at best. How much evidence is needed to recognize the heinous crimes that have been committed?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood