Sexual assault in conflict zone: Forensic and humanitarian challenges

Committing sexual assault is a serious violation of human rights that is frequently used in war to scare and confuse people. This crime brings many problems for both the forensics field and humanitarian efforts. The difficulties of reaching survivors, few qualified people, poor living conditions and trouble finding proof—mainly in out of the way places—slow down forensic investigations. Because of these limitations, people who break the law seldom face punishment. Besides other issues, victims must deal with gossip, threats of punishment and difficulties finding necessary medical and legal services in emergencies. Cultural issues, along with thin budgets and a lack of security, often block the work of humanitarians. It is necessary to have a strategy that centers on survivors’ needs, involves the law, foreign expertise and provides direct help, to offer survivors who were abused during war justice and long-term recovery.