Early this year, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) completed a three-month survey of Haitians made homeless by the earthquake of January 2010. The IOM’s assessment concluded over 800,000 were still living in temporary campsites or shelters across the country. Most of the campsites have few lights at night and with tents providing little security, there has been a worrying rise in sexual violence.
According to TrustLaw news, police and medical centres have been dealing with an alarming number of women and girls coming forward to report sexual assaults since the earthquake. The police chief of Port-au-Prince said over 600 cases had been reported in 2010. However, the actual number is likely to be much higher, since many victims are too ashamed or frightened to approach the authorities. One doctor at the largest hospital in Haiti said she was currently examining around 15 rape victims each day, compared to only 2 or 3 a year ago.
For more information, please visit: SOS Children's Village
Early this year, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) completed a three-month survey of Haitians made homeless by the earthquake of January 2010. The IOM’s assessment concluded over 800,000 were still living in temporary campsites or shelters across the country. Most of the campsites have few lights at night and with tents providing little security, there has been a worrying rise in sexual violence.
According to TrustLaw news, police and medical centres have been dealing with an alarming number of women and girls coming forward to report sexual assaults since the earthquake. The police chief of Port-au-Prince said over 600 cases had been reported in 2010. However, the actual number is likely to be much higher, since many victims are too ashamed or frightened to approach the authorities. One doctor at the largest hospital in Haiti said she was currently examining around 15 rape victims each day, compared to only 2 or 3 a year ago.
For more information, please visit: SOS Children's Village