“I was left with this wound inside me. I was planning to end my life, but I didn’t, thanks to the advice and support of a woman from the Red Cross. She reminded me again and again that I am a mother, and that I needed to hold on for my children. “
At 26, Aliwa’s experience as a victim/survivor of sexual violence in armed conflict highlights the profound impact of consistent, compassionate support on healing and recovery. Her story is one of many, reflecting the courage of victims/survivors and the importance of tailored care.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many women seek help from ICRC-supported “maisons d’écoute” in the Kivus. These centers provide psychological support and referrals for medical care, offering a lifeline to those in need.
The effects of sexual violence ripple across generations, leaving deeps scars that require a compassionate and coordinate global response. Victims/survivors face profound physical, psychological, social and economic challenges that demand both individual and systemic solutions.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) takes a holistic, survivor-centered approach to addressing sexual violence. By understanding the unique circumstances of each victim/survivor and the realities of their communities, we aim to alleviate suffering and foster resilience.
Our work spans multiple dimensions: promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL) though prevention, providing life-saving assistance and protection, and partnering with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to strengthen community outreach for stigma reduction.
As part of our Strategy for Addressing Sexual Violence (2018–2025), we have enabled victims/survivors across 26 countries to access critical care:
Your support can transform lives. Together, we can build a future where no one endures the devastation of sexual violence in armed conflict. Rooted in IHL and guided by victims/survivors’ priorities, we work to prevent sexual violence, reduce risks and ensure that victims/survivors receive the care they need. By engaging with communities, authorities, and key stakeholders, we drive immediate and long-term change, reducing stigma, increasing resilience and contributing to the prevention of sexual violence in wartime.
