Aftershocks: Women Speak Out Against Sexual Violence In Haiti’s Camps

Sexual and other forms of gender-based violence were widespread in Haiti before 12 January 2010, but the earthquake shattered what few protection mechanisms did exist. Since the earthquake, the specific needs of girls and women living in camps relating to the prevention of and response to gender-based violence have been inadequate. The risk of rape and other forms of gender-based violence in Haiti’s camps has increased dramatically in the past year. Perpetrators are often members of youth gangs who operate after dark. Women and girls, already struggling to come to terms with the grief and trauma of losing their loved ones, homes and livelihoods in the earthquake, are living in camps in tents that cannot be made secure, with the constant threat of sexual violence. Without access to medical care and with little prospect of receiving any support or seeing their attackers brought to justice, survivors see no end to their plight. This report highlights the protection needs of women and girls in camps against the background of research undertaken by Amnesty International and other organizations on violence against women and girls after the earthquake.