USPA NEWS - Sexual violence against women and girls is a silent human rights violation in Somalia. A crime compounded by social taboos, which prevent survivors from seeking help, and one that largely goes unpunished. If a woman reports sexual violence, she is usually blamed and stigmatized for it. And if the woman lives under the control of the Al-Shabaab, speaking up can cost her life.
While significant advances have been made to reduce violent extremist activity and increase resilience to violent extremist influences, the presence of Al-Shabaab continues to fuel conflict and instability. It has been documented that regardless of their roles within the group, women suffer systematic violence, including conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and that sexual violence is use..

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