Help End Violence Against Women in Conflict

Violence has severe consequences for survivors that can stop them from reaching their full potential. The women we serve are extremely vulnerable to all forms of violence.

You are here:

Conflict related violence against women

Published on

Updated:

1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to violence in their lifetime. Those who live in conflict zones are at even greater risk.

288% surge in demand for gender-based violence services in Sudan in 2024.

Source: UN Women

35% rise in the number of girls affected by gender-based violence in armed conflict.

Source: UNGA Security Council Report

96% of women we consulted in conflict zones indicated that violence affects women in their communities.

Source: From Asking to Action

#SheDares To Act Against Sexual Violence

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence is not a tragic inevitability of war—it’s a deliberate tactic. And it is one that can be stopped.

From Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is being used strategically to terrify, shame and destroy communities. Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) is a war crime that can be prevented and the perpetrators held accountable.

As part of our #SheDares campaign, we are marking International Day for the Elimination of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on 19th June, by spotlighting the women who are not just surviving, but reshaping the world by addressing CRSV in their community.

For decades, we have implemented a survivor-centred response to all forms of violence against women, including CRSV. Safe spaces, trauma-informed counselling, psycho-social support, peer support, engaging men in the community and supporting those seeking justice and reparations are not experimental ideas. They are proven, impactful interventions already transforming lives in conflict zones. Women survivors and advocates know what works to address the challenges of conflict related sexual violence and with more resources these innovations could be scaled up across the world. 

 

Join us for powerful virtual panel discussion to mark International Day for the Elimination of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. ⁠
Join us for powerful virtual panel discussion to mark International Day for the Elimination of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. ⁠

Standing Up Against Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

Virtual panel, Tuesday, 17th June, 5:30pm BST

Chaired by our International Board Chair, Nunu Ntshingila, the event will spotlight the voices of brave changemakers from South Sudan and Ukraine who are standing up, speaking out and leading change in the face of unimaginable risks.⁠

© Kim Changsu, Mansudae Art Studio, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Art.IWM PST 9379). Poster for the Women's International War Crimes Tribunal 2000, Tokyo, Japan.

Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict

Imperial War Museums London, 3rd May - 2nd November 2025. Admission is free.  

We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Imperial War Museums on their upcoming exhibition, Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict. Sexual violence in conflict zones is a heavy and painful topic for many, which is why it's rarely spoken about. But silence leads to stigma, and that's exactly why this exhibition is so important.

Violence against women occurs every day and people now see it as a normal thing because when it happens, nothing is being done.

Community Member, South Sudan

Keep reading

The women we serve are all survivors of war or conflict – but far too many have survived violence against women as well. Despite the trauma, they continue to push for change. They rebuild their lives while working towards a brighter future for their children, and many become activists to drive wider, long-lasting change for their communities. In this blog we share the stories of five women, Nabintu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mila from Ukraine and Grace, Hadiza and Joyce from Nigeria.


blog

After years of silent suffering, the women of South Sudan are beginning to speak out about rape and sexual violence. Read about how Change Agents are breaking the silence on Violence Against Women over the radio.


blog

All women are vulnerable to violence – with one in three experiencing some form in their lifetime. But those in conflict-affected regions are much more exposed to it. Living in conflict zones, experiences war and suffering displacement all increase the risk.


blog