a woman sits with her hands in her lap. sex workers are often victims of sexual and gender-based violence

Sexual and gender-based violence

Overview

Sexual violence affects millions of people, brutally shattering the lives of women, men and children.

Sexual and gender-based violence is a medical emergency, but there is often a dire lack of healthcare services for victims. 

In 2023, the number of projects supporting victims of sexual violence increased dramatically in places where MSF works around the world, particularly in Democratic Republic of Congo. There, ongoing and escalating conflict as well as dire conditions in camps for displaced people have heightened the risk of sexual violence, resulting in unprecedented numbers of survivors seeking care from our teams.

 
About sexual and gender-based violence
Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence stand with their arms around each other
People continue to be displaced due to surging conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, seeking refuge near Goma. Basic needs such as food, water and sanitation are unmet, and there is a critical lack of measures to protect people from further harm. The lack of security and means to survive has proven particularly dangerous for women, as evidenced by the high number of cases of sexual violence seen in Kanyaruchinya’s health facilities supported by MSF.
© MSF/Marion Molinari
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What is sexual and gender-based violence?

Sexual and gender-based violence encompasses many different acts of violence against women, children and men, ranging from rape to genital mutilation.

In conflict, rape is often used as a weapon or as a reward for soldiers. Rape and other forms of sexual abuse are also used as a means of torture or, in some cases, as a strategy to spread HIV/AIDS within a community.

Quick facts about sexual violence

How do we respond?

Medical care

As sexual and gender-based violence can occur anywhere at any time, MSF ensures that all of its projects are equipped to handle sexual violence cases.

However, in some countries, such as Colombia, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, we have projects that are set up specifically to provide treatment to victims of violence, including sexual violence. In these situations, we:

  • Prevent against infection (HIV, STIs, Hepatitis B, Tetanus)
  • Provide pregnancy tests and emergency contraceptives
  • Help to manage unwanted pregnancies
  • Provide psychological support
  • Treat physical injuries

Our medics urge people to seek treatment within three days of an attack, to not only treat physical injuries but also to prevent disease.

Survivors of rape are given post-exposure prophylaxis to try and prevent possible infections, such as HIV. The sooner the drugs are given the more effective they are.
Antibiotics, vaccinations and emergency contraception can also be provided.

Psychological care

As well as treating physical injuries, MSF also provides psychological support to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

We provide initial counselling to help patients deal with shock, as well as counselling and follow up care to prevent the development of post-traumatic stress.

Awareness and access to care

Medical care is central to MSF’s response to sexual violence, but stigma and fear may prevent many victims from coming forward.

A proactive approach is necessary to raise awareness about the medical consequences of sexual violence and the availability of care.

Where MSF sees large numbers of victims – especially in areas of conflict – advocacy aims to raise awareness among local authorities, as well as the armed forces when they are involved in the assaults.

The feet of victims of sexual and gender-based violence are seen as they wait for their interviews.
Were it not for her loud screams, he would have been successful! I said enough is enough! Mary, an internally displaced person in Kenya
Sexual and Gender Based Violence

Addressing sexual and gender-based violence faced by communities displaced by conflict in Baringo

A woman makes her way through a village of white tents. In these displacement camps, sexual and gender-based violence is rife.
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