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CMAJ • October 31, 2000; 163 (9)
© 2000 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors

Commentary
Commentaire

Occasional essay

Rape in war: the humanitarian response

Leslie Shanks and Michael J. Schull

Leslie Shanks is with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders — Canada. Dr. Schull is with the Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.

Correspondence to: Dr. Leslie Shanks, Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders — Canada, 402–720 Spadina Ave., Toronto ON M5S 2T9; vreekeed{at}hotmail.com

Abstract

WOMEN AND CHILDREN ARE VULNERABLE to sexual violence in times of conflict, and the risk persists even after they have escaped the conflict area. The impact of rape goes far beyond the immediate effects of the physical attack and has long-lasting consequences. We describe the humanitarian community's response to sexual violence and rape in times of war and civil unrest by drawing on the experiences of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders and other humanitarian agencies. Health care workers must have a keen awareness of the problem and be prepared to respond appropriately. This requires a comprehensive intervention protocol, including antibiotic prophylaxis, emergency contraception, referral for psychological support, and proper documentation and reporting procedures. Preventing widespread sexual violence requires increasing the security in refugee camps. It also requires speaking out and holding states accountable when violations of international law occur. The challenge is to remain alert to these often hidden, but extremely destructive, crimes in the midst of a chaotic emergency relief setting.




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Journal of Health Management, October 1, 2002; 4(2): 167 - 183.
[Abstract] [PDF]