and Amnesty International has released a new report stating that the Nicaraguan authorities must eradicate rape and sexual abuse of girls. Their report is aimed to stop the rape and sexual abuse of girls in Nicaragua and follows the experiences of survivors as they try to overcome barriers that obstruct their recovery. Amnesty International's campaign reveals how the state does not help survivors to rebuild their lives follwing sexual violence. Amnesty International researcher states, "Every day girls in Nicaragua are suffering the horror of sexual violence in silence, rather than risk the rejection that many suffer when they speak out."
According to police statistics, more than fourteen thousand cases were reported in Nicaragua between 1998 and 2008. Two thirds of the victims were under the age of seventeen. The report was launched to coincide with International day fr the Elimination of Violence against Women. It documents how Nicaraguan society stigmatizes victims of sexual abuse, prohibiting them from speaking out about their ordeals. Sex is seen as somewhat of a taboo subject.
The home is a dangerous place due to relatives being the most commonly reported perpetrators of sexual violence. This even further adds pressure to girls to remain silent. Instead of giving aid to victims, most often they are the ones blamed. Girls who are brave enough to report rape and sexual abuse often encounter police officers, prosecutors, and judges who do not adhere to international rules governing the treatment of victims of sexual abuse.
Another problem these girls face is funding. Many lack the money to travel to and from court apointments and hospital appointments. Researcher Esther Major said that, "Nicaraguan justice should serve all people-- not just those with money and power. the government must send a clear message that sexual violence is never the fault of the rape victim; that perpetrators will be brought to justice and that survivors will be given the support they need to heal." Reports show that many of these girls are dropping out of school, giving up on work, or even attempting suicide.
This article explains the problem with sexual violence perfectly. Not only do these young girls have to experience the ordeal itself, then they have to deal with the government restricting them from speaking out. I personally believe that rape and sexual violence contribute the largest numbers to the "dark figure of crime." Women are so often ashamed or feel as if they have done something wrong and the government doesn't seem to be helping any. This is not just an issue in Nicaragua either. All over the world, women are silenced when it comes to sexual abuse. Instead of blaming the victim, the government should be aiding in the recovery of these women. They need support to overcome and rebuild and the government isn't doing its part in that process.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGPRE201011221967&lang=e&rss=recentnews
2 comments:
I believe that Nicaragua, as well as the whole world, should work towards putting an end to rape and sexual abuse of girls. Some people don't realize how big of a social problem this has become. For these girls to constantly be afraid of being a victim or the girls who are victims already, it is very sad.
I agree. It was shocking to see week after week pages of articles related to sexual abuse. I know that men are victims of sexual abuse as well, but it is more commen for women to be the victims. Therefore, as a women I wish more could be done to help these women prevent themselves from being a victim or to help them if they already are one.
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