Wartime Rape; the Continuation of an Invisible War

During the war and armed conflict rape and sexual violence are commonly used as illegal means to humiliate and suppress the opposite party. Mass rape during war turns into genocidal rape when committed to destroy, in whole or in part, a targeted group. The impact of rape is not only limited to the immediate effects of the physical attack but has long-lasting physical and mental consequences. Considering the long-term post-war effect of rape, it acts as a more powerful weapon than a bomb or a bullet. Even if the victim survives after wartime rape, death may eventually result from abandonment and deprivation, diseases such as AIDS, further violence and murder, suicide, or other self-harming behavior. Survivors require life-saving psychosocial support to recover from the psychological and social impact of the violence, which they are hardly provided. In comparison to their unending sufferings, they get very little attention from international humanitarian organizations. Extended application of International Humanitarian Law in post-conflict situations can redress the rape victims to overcome their hardships and trauma.