Overview

Sexual violence is an everyday reality that impacts millions of people around the world. This violence can take many forms, including but not limited to, rape; sexual abuse; and molestation, including when committed in the context of domestic violence.

While anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, structural misogyny and systematic inequality mean that women and girls are much more likely to experience sexual violence and much less likely to perpetrate it than men. Because the vast majority of victims are women and girls and almost all perpetrators are men, sexual violence is a form of gender-based violence that can only be eliminated by tackling the root causes of sexism.

Mariam – Armenia

Equality Now has the privilege to partner with women’s rights activists from around the world. We’re sharing their unique perspectives and challenges advocating for change in their communities. We spoke to Mariam Torosyan, CEO & Founder at Safe YOU / Impact …

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Baia – Georgia

Equality Now has the privilege to partner with women’s rights activists from around the world. We’re sharing their unique perspectives and challenges advocating for change in their communities. We spoke to, Baia Pataria from Union Sapari in Georgia as …

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How we will end sexual violence

Because all acts of sexual violence are about power, control, and entitlement and not sexual desire, there are universal pillars that can be applied to preventing and ending the practice. At Equality Now we know that ending sexual violence everywhere requires:

> Good laws

Laws that stigmatize victims and hinder the possibility for justice and accountability must be replaced by laws that reflect the true nature of sexual violence, exclude negative stereotypes and myths, and are informed by the experiences of survivors.

End Sexual Violence: Good laws

> Effective Implementation

Good laws are a critical first step, but they alone are not enough to prevent sexual violence and deliver justice to survivors. Laws are only effective if they are properly implemented and that requires educating the population on their rights and properly training those who are tasked with carrying out the law.

End Sexual Violence: Effective Implementation

> Intersectional Analysis

Marginalized groups are more likely to experience sexual violence, and to have had negative interactions with the criminal justice system. An intersectional lens must be integrated into laws, policies, and procedures and followed from the outset as every survivor is entitled to justice and support, and systems must be designed to cater for a diverse range of needs and identities.

End Sexual Violence: Intersectional Analysis

Explore by region

Sexual Violence In Eurasia

Ending Sexual Violence in South Asia

Ending Sexual Violence in Latin America and the Caribbean

Resources

Join

None of us can afford to sit back and wait for equality to arrive – we need to act now. Only by working together will we achieve the legal and systemic change needed to address violence and discrimination against women and girls.

Join our changemakers network

Join Equality Now’s international network of changemakers, from government ministers and UN bodies to civil society and human rights lawyers, to learn from one another and drive forward the vital work to make gender equality a reality.

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Get involved

Social change begins with legal change and people like you — raising your voice against injustice — play a vital role in our collective success.

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Take action to end sexual violence

Equality Now does not provide direct support for those experiencing sexual violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence there are secure, confidential and free resources available. 

If you are in Lebanon:

• Call the Abaad Safe line on  +961 81 78 81 78 
• Call the LECORVAW Helpline on +961 3 82 98 09 

If you are in the US:

• Call the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network(RAINN) at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or click here to chat live online. 

If you are in the UK: 

• Call Rape Crisis England & Wales on 0808 802 9999 (12:00 – 14:30 and 19:00 – 21:30 daily)
• Call Rape Crisis Scotland on 08088 01 03 02
• Call Women’s Aid Northern Ireland on 0808 802 1414, or email 24hrsupport@dvhelpline.org 

If you are in Europe, you may find this directory of organizations useful.