Latest items for LRW-PRACTICE-2
June 3, 2026, 12:03 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Some women [serving in the UK military] who report being raped or assaulted go on to take their own lives because they cannot bear how they are treated - with some saying their peers refused to work with them as a result of coming forward. This was the case in the suicides of Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck, 19 - who was taken advantage of by four men, Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement, 30 - who said she was raped by two men - and cadet Olivia Perks, 21 - who allegedly suffered 'gross sexual misconduct'" (para 4-5). "And researcher Dr Harriet Gray said that sexual harassment in the forces is often written off...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Some women [serving in the UK military] who report being raped or assaulted go on to take their own lives because they cannot bear how they are treated - with some saying their peers refused to work with them as a result of coming forward. This was the case in the suicides of Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck, 19 - who was taken advantage of by four men, Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement, 30 - who said she was raped by two men - and cadet Olivia Perks, 21 - who allegedly suffered 'gross sexual misconduct'" (para 4-5). "And researcher Dr Harriet Gray said that sexual harassment in the forces is often written off...more
June 1, 2026, 8:33 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape was widely underreported in part due to societal taboos and the drawn-out judicial process owing to the overburdened justice system" (26).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape was widely underreported in part due to societal taboos and the drawn-out judicial process owing to the overburdened justice system" (26).
June 1, 2026, 8:33 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: According to the penal code, rape of any person was punishable by a prison sentence of seven to 20 years, or 10 to 21 years in case of aggravated circumstancessuch as causing mutilation or handicap, and a substantial monetary fine when committed against a person age 13 or older. The penalty was 11 to 30 years in prison and higher monetary fines when the survivor was younger than 13. The government generally enforced the law. On March 20, a man was sentenced to two years in prison for rape of a child in Bobo-Dioulasso, according to media reports. According to the UN Human Rights Office, on...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: According to the penal code, rape of any person was punishable by a prison sentence of seven to 20 years, or 10 to 21 years in case of aggravated circumstancessuch as causing mutilation or handicap, and a substantial monetary fine when committed against a person age 13 or older. The penalty was 11 to 30 years in prison and higher monetary fines when the survivor was younger than 13. The government generally enforced the law. On March 20, a man was sentenced to two years in prison for rape of a child in Bobo-Dioulasso, according to media reports. According to the UN Human Rights Office, on...more
June 1, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Countries: Brunei
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"As members of Bruneian society and as sociology students, we are observers of these customs and the social norms to “keep quiet” about sexual harassment. The normalcy discourse is prevalent: it is normal for us to sweep it under the carpet even though we know it is hurting us; it is normal to dismiss catcalling or inappropriate jokes as normal behaviour even though it makes women feel very uncomfortable; and it is also normal for people to not realise that they have been victims of sexual harassment and abuse because of a lack of sex education. Because of this normalcy discourse many cases of harassment in Brunei have gone unreported....more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"As members of Bruneian society and as sociology students, we are observers of these customs and the social norms to “keep quiet” about sexual harassment. The normalcy discourse is prevalent: it is normal for us to sweep it under the carpet even though we know it is hurting us; it is normal to dismiss catcalling or inappropriate jokes as normal behaviour even though it makes women feel very uncomfortable; and it is also normal for people to not realise that they have been victims of sexual harassment and abuse because of a lack of sex education. Because of this normalcy discourse many cases of harassment in Brunei have gone unreported....more
June 1, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Countries: Brunei
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: Secular law stipulated imprisonment from eight to 30 years plus caning with a minimum of 12 strokes as punishment for rape. The SPC provided stoning to death as the maximum punishment for rape. The punishment of stoning was not imposed. The law did not criminalize rape against men or spousal rape and explicitly stated that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife was not rape if she was not younger than 14 (or 15 if ethnic Chinese). There was no specific domestic violence law, but authorities arrested individuals in domestic violence cases under the law on protection of women and girls. The criminal penalty under...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: Secular law stipulated imprisonment from eight to 30 years plus caning with a minimum of 12 strokes as punishment for rape. The SPC provided stoning to death as the maximum punishment for rape. The punishment of stoning was not imposed. The law did not criminalize rape against men or spousal rape and explicitly stated that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife was not rape if she was not younger than 14 (or 15 if ethnic Chinese). There was no specific domestic violence law, but authorities arrested individuals in domestic violence cases under the law on protection of women and girls. The criminal penalty under...more
June 1, 2026, 8:29 p.m.
Countries: Brunei
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Brunei Darussalam’s broad application of the death penalty to crimes such as rape and sex between unmarried individuals may obstruct women’s access to justice for gender-based violence by dissuading survivors from reporting such crimes. Studies indicate that most survivors of sexual violence are assaulted by people they know. As such, there is concern that survivors of sexual violence may be reluctant to report such crime, particularly if they know that doing so could result in a court sentencing someone they know to death" (6).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Brunei Darussalam’s broad application of the death penalty to crimes such as rape and sex between unmarried individuals may obstruct women’s access to justice for gender-based violence by dissuading survivors from reporting such crimes. Studies indicate that most survivors of sexual violence are assaulted by people they know. As such, there is concern that survivors of sexual violence may be reluctant to report such crime, particularly if they know that doing so could result in a court sentencing someone they know to death" (6).
June 1, 2026, 8:27 p.m.
Countries: Brazil
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The national law criminalized rape, including spousal rape and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence. The law did not criminalize so-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The law criminalized physical, psychological, and sexual violence against women, as well as defamation and damage to property or finances by someone with whom the survivor had a marriage, family, or intimate relationship. The law defined femicide as homicide of a woman due to her gender, including but not limited to homicide that escalated from other forms of domestic violence, discrimination, or contempt for women. The...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The national law criminalized rape, including spousal rape and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence. The law did not criminalize so-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The law criminalized physical, psychological, and sexual violence against women, as well as defamation and damage to property or finances by someone with whom the survivor had a marriage, family, or intimate relationship. The law defined femicide as homicide of a woman due to her gender, including but not limited to homicide that escalated from other forms of domestic violence, discrimination, or contempt for women. The...more
June 1, 2026, 8:27 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In Botswana, about 70 per cent of women have, at one time in their lives, experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse, more than double the global average, the United Nations Population Fund statistics show. Police data reveal that there have been some 2,789 reported rape cases from January this year, up from 2,265 cases last year. There has been a systemic rise in sexual assault and gender-based violence since COVID-19 struck in what is attributed to women being confined at home with their abusers as government institute lockdown measures to tame the spread of the virus. It has been particularly difficult for victims who are hesitant to report...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In Botswana, about 70 per cent of women have, at one time in their lives, experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse, more than double the global average, the United Nations Population Fund statistics show. Police data reveal that there have been some 2,789 reported rape cases from January this year, up from 2,265 cases last year. There has been a systemic rise in sexual assault and gender-based violence since COVID-19 struck in what is attributed to women being confined at home with their abusers as government institute lockdown measures to tame the spread of the virus. It has been particularly difficult for victims who are hesitant to report...more
June 1, 2026, 8:25 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Despite being traditionally known as a beacon of hope in the region, Botswana has not been immune to the global scourge of GBV. Statistics indicate that almost 70% of women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This is often at the hands of family members or romantic partners. The prevalence of GBV in the country is usually attributed to entrenched patriarchal norms, economic inequalities, and a culture that often sees women as inferior. Despite efforts by various stakeholders including CSOs and international organizations, Botswana's response to GBV has always fallen short of what is necessary to protect and empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Despite being traditionally known as a beacon of hope in the region, Botswana has not been immune to the global scourge of GBV. Statistics indicate that almost 70% of women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This is often at the hands of family members or romantic partners. The prevalence of GBV in the country is usually attributed to entrenched patriarchal norms, economic inequalities, and a culture that often sees women as inferior. Despite efforts by various stakeholders including CSOs and international organizations, Botswana's response to GBV has always fallen short of what is necessary to protect and empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and...more
May 30, 2026, 3:26 p.m.
Countries: Congo
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"...Women and girls there [in Congo] often don’t disclose their assaults out of fear of reprisals by their attackers, she [Noemi Dalmonte, UNFPA’s deputy representative in Congo] said. Hospital and aid workers who collect victim testimonies are likewise fearful of being targeted. Shame and social stigma inhibit victims, too. Yet each week hundreds more Congolese women and girls come forward to report sexual violence by armed combatants, Dalmonte said" (para 10). "Stigmatization is another life sentence, he [Congolese gynecologist Mukwege] said. Survivors often don’t return to school and their marriage prospects are harmed. Children born from rape are marginalized alongside their mothers. Many rape victims end up abandoning their children...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"...Women and girls there [in Congo] often don’t disclose their assaults out of fear of reprisals by their attackers, she [Noemi Dalmonte, UNFPA’s deputy representative in Congo] said. Hospital and aid workers who collect victim testimonies are likewise fearful of being targeted. Shame and social stigma inhibit victims, too. Yet each week hundreds more Congolese women and girls come forward to report sexual violence by armed combatants, Dalmonte said" (para 10). "Stigmatization is another life sentence, he [Congolese gynecologist Mukwege] said. Survivors often don’t return to school and their marriage prospects are harmed. Children born from rape are marginalized alongside their mothers. Many rape victims end up abandoning their children...more
May 28, 2026, 10:42 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Women are facing discrimination on a high basis at all levels. Although specific laws were introduced to ensure, for example, a better protection against rape, domestic violence and partners’ violence, their implementation needs significant improvements. Rights of minorities are undermined to a large extent, resulting in experiences of disrespectful and discriminatory actions" (para 7).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Women are facing discrimination on a high basis at all levels. Although specific laws were introduced to ensure, for example, a better protection against rape, domestic violence and partners’ violence, their implementation needs significant improvements. Rights of minorities are undermined to a large extent, resulting in experiences of disrespectful and discriminatory actions" (para 7).
May 28, 2026, 10:41 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, and domestic and intimate partner violence. The maximum penalty for conviction of rape, including spousal rape, was 15 years in prison. The failure of police to treat spousal rape as a serious offense inhibited the effective enforcement of the law. Women survivors of rape did not have regular access to free social support or assistance as mandated by the law, and continued to encounter prejudice, stigma, and discrimination in their communities and from representatives of public institutions. While laws in both entities empowered authorities to remove the perpetrator of domestic violence from the home, officials rarely...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, and domestic and intimate partner violence. The maximum penalty for conviction of rape, including spousal rape, was 15 years in prison. The failure of police to treat spousal rape as a serious offense inhibited the effective enforcement of the law. Women survivors of rape did not have regular access to free social support or assistance as mandated by the law, and continued to encounter prejudice, stigma, and discrimination in their communities and from representatives of public institutions. While laws in both entities empowered authorities to remove the perpetrator of domestic violence from the home, officials rarely...more
May 28, 2026, 10:39 p.m.
Countries: Bhutan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape and did not refer to gender in its definition of rape. In cases of rape involving minors, sentences for conviction ranged from five to 15 years in prison. In extreme cases, a person convicted of rape could be imprisoned for life. Spousal rape was illegal and prosecuted as a misdemeanor. In 2022 the NCWC published the Standard Operating Procedure for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response, which laid out policies and procedures related to gender-based violence and the roles and responsibilities of the government and civil society in combating it, including referral to shelters and service providers. The CSO RENEW worked with...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape and did not refer to gender in its definition of rape. In cases of rape involving minors, sentences for conviction ranged from five to 15 years in prison. In extreme cases, a person convicted of rape could be imprisoned for life. Spousal rape was illegal and prosecuted as a misdemeanor. In 2022 the NCWC published the Standard Operating Procedure for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response, which laid out policies and procedures related to gender-based violence and the roles and responsibilities of the government and civil society in combating it, including referral to shelters and service providers. The CSO RENEW worked with...more
May 28, 2026, 10:35 p.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized spousal and domestic partner rape without reference to gender. Sentences for rape ranged from five to 20 years’ imprisonment. The law did not specifically reference so called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. Enforcement was weak due to police ineffectiveness, official corruption, and survivors not reporting cases due to fear of social stigma and retaliation. Because of the lack of police training in collecting evidence associated with sexual assaults, ignorance of the law, and inherent difficulties survivors faced in preserving and presenting evidence in court, judges reduced most sexual offense charges to misdemeanors. The primary form of...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized spousal and domestic partner rape without reference to gender. Sentences for rape ranged from five to 20 years’ imprisonment. The law did not specifically reference so called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. Enforcement was weak due to police ineffectiveness, official corruption, and survivors not reporting cases due to fear of social stigma and retaliation. Because of the lack of police training in collecting evidence associated with sexual assaults, ignorance of the law, and inherent difficulties survivors faced in preserving and presenting evidence in court, judges reduced most sexual offense charges to misdemeanors. The primary form of...more
May 28, 2026, 10:34 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalizes rape of men or women, including spousal rape. The government generally enforced the law. The law states that a person convicted of rape should be sentenced to imprisonment for eight years to life, although on occasion sentences were much lighter. Problems facing the wider justice system generally resulted in low conviction rates for rape. Victims frequently requested the charges be dropped, often citing spousal support from the perpetrators as key to providing for their children’s well-being" (13-14).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalizes rape of men or women, including spousal rape. The government generally enforced the law. The law states that a person convicted of rape should be sentenced to imprisonment for eight years to life, although on occasion sentences were much lighter. Problems facing the wider justice system generally resulted in low conviction rates for rape. Victims frequently requested the charges be dropped, often citing spousal support from the perpetrators as key to providing for their children’s well-being" (13-14).
May 28, 2026, 7:20 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"The situation in Azerbaijan with regards to the criminalization and prosecution of rape is alarming. Official statistics show that very few cases of rape are reported and convicted. In the past five years, for example, in 2019 only 22 instances were officially... Furthermore, rape victims do not benefit from any provisions to protect their identity or prevent re-traumatisation. In practice, the victim has to present themselves in an open court and there are no legal safeguards to protect them from questions about their sexual history reported ... Similarly, marital rape is also not excluded from the purview of criminalisation. Although with underreporting by the police and general unwilling familial attitudes,...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"The situation in Azerbaijan with regards to the criminalization and prosecution of rape is alarming. Official statistics show that very few cases of rape are reported and convicted. In the past five years, for example, in 2019 only 22 instances were officially... Furthermore, rape victims do not benefit from any provisions to protect their identity or prevent re-traumatisation. In practice, the victim has to present themselves in an open court and there are no legal safeguards to protect them from questions about their sexual history reported ... Similarly, marital rape is also not excluded from the purview of criminalisation. Although with underreporting by the police and general unwilling familial attitudes,...more
May 28, 2026, 7:18 p.m.
Countries: Austria
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Concerns further exist regarding the Protection against Violence Act56 that imposes on medical professionals the obligation to report suspected cases of rape to law enforcement agencies. Amnesty International is concerned that this might constitute an impediment for women to seek medical treatment. In addition, a higher number of criminal complaints might not automatically ensure better protection against violence, especially as the resources of the judiciary remain scarce" (12).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Concerns further exist regarding the Protection against Violence Act56 that imposes on medical professionals the obligation to report suspected cases of rape to law enforcement agencies. Amnesty International is concerned that this might constitute an impediment for women to seek medical treatment. In addition, a higher number of criminal complaints might not automatically ensure better protection against violence, especially as the resources of the judiciary remain scarce" (12).
May 28, 2026, 7:17 p.m.
Countries: Austria
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In general, Austria is well equipped with institutions that support women, children, and adolescents in the event of e.g. domestic violence, IPV and rape. Austria has 30 shelters offering room 26 for 766 women and children. Vienna provides about 175 spots for women (ORF 2013). Each federal state has its own Violence Protection Center/Intervention Center. Six regional counselling centres for sexual violence are presently installed in Austria to provide counselling and support for e.g. rape victims. However, there is a significant difference between urban and rural regions regarding access to services. On paper, any woman should have access to protection, prevention and support facilities. Nevertheless, some differences can be identified...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In general, Austria is well equipped with institutions that support women, children, and adolescents in the event of e.g. domestic violence, IPV and rape. Austria has 30 shelters offering room 26 for 766 women and children. Vienna provides about 175 spots for women (ORF 2013). Each federal state has its own Violence Protection Center/Intervention Center. Six regional counselling centres for sexual violence are presently installed in Austria to provide counselling and support for e.g. rape victims. However, there is a significant difference between urban and rural regions regarding access to services. On paper, any woman should have access to protection, prevention and support facilities. Nevertheless, some differences can be identified...more
May 28, 2026, 7:14 p.m.
Countries: Armenia
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Most survivors avoided sharing details of sexual violence committed against them due to fear of their abuser and a lack of confidence in law enforcement authorities. According to the coalition, inadequate evidence collection and absence of comprehensive forensic examinations hindered prosecution. As a result, more than half of reported sexual violence cases were dismissed, reflecting systemic shortcomings and further reinforcing a culture of impunity around sexual violence" (6).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Most survivors avoided sharing details of sexual violence committed against them due to fear of their abuser and a lack of confidence in law enforcement authorities. According to the coalition, inadequate evidence collection and absence of comprehensive forensic examinations hindered prosecution. As a result, more than half of reported sexual violence cases were dismissed, reflecting systemic shortcomings and further reinforcing a culture of impunity around sexual violence" (6).
May 28, 2026, 7:12 p.m.
Countries: Armenia
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"The key findings highlight major factors contributing to the lack of reform, including deep-rooted social value systems, deficiencies in Armenian legislation, and the absence of trauma-informed training among law enforcement and government agencies. Interviews conducted with experts and survivors reveal pervasive issues such as social apathy, problematic terminology in the Armenian criminal code, and the continued failure of Armenian law enforcement to properly investigate assault" (para 3).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"The key findings highlight major factors contributing to the lack of reform, including deep-rooted social value systems, deficiencies in Armenian legislation, and the absence of trauma-informed training among law enforcement and government agencies. Interviews conducted with experts and survivors reveal pervasive issues such as social apathy, problematic terminology in the Armenian criminal code, and the continued failure of Armenian law enforcement to properly investigate assault" (para 3).
May 27, 2026, 8:42 a.m.
Countries: Belgium
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"14 EU Member States have adopted an affirmative model 'only yes means yes' approach: Sweden and Ireland... Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain... [This has] increased number of reports, prosecutions and convictions. Specifically, the rate of convictions increased by 75%" (para 19-25).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"14 EU Member States have adopted an affirmative model 'only yes means yes' approach: Sweden and Ireland... Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain... [This has] increased number of reports, prosecutions and convictions. Specifically, the rate of convictions increased by 75%" (para 19-25).
May 27, 2026, 7:45 a.m.
Countries: Belgium
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Most victims did not seek help: about 30-40% tells someone in their environment, only 7% sought professional help, and just 4% files a complaint with the police. Almost 70% of the 1951 doctors surveyed have treated at least one victim of sexual violence during their career, but the victims usually do not report until several years later. 'Victims often do not file a report for fear that they will not be taken seriously or will not be believed because they cannot provide physical evidence,' said Keygnaert" (para 20-22).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Most victims did not seek help: about 30-40% tells someone in their environment, only 7% sought professional help, and just 4% files a complaint with the police. Almost 70% of the 1951 doctors surveyed have treated at least one victim of sexual violence during their career, but the victims usually do not report until several years later. 'Victims often do not file a report for fear that they will not be taken seriously or will not be believed because they cannot provide physical evidence,' said Keygnaert" (para 20-22).
May 27, 2026, 7:21 a.m.
Countries: Belgium
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Belgium has also become the first country in Europe to decriminalise sex work, which Heleen [police officer at Sensoa, the Flemish center of expertise on sexual health] and her colleague Julia Day say makes it easier for sex workers to report sexual violence" (para 5). "Up to 90% of rape cases in Belgium go unreported and only 4% of people file a complaint with the police. Julia and Heleen [police officers with from Sensoa, the Flemish center of expertise on sexual health] say this is due to the hurdles survivors face when reporting sexual violence, not to mention the trauma associated with interrogations and pervasive victim blaming" (para 6). "Victims...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Belgium has also become the first country in Europe to decriminalise sex work, which Heleen [police officer at Sensoa, the Flemish center of expertise on sexual health] and her colleague Julia Day say makes it easier for sex workers to report sexual violence" (para 5). "Up to 90% of rape cases in Belgium go unreported and only 4% of people file a complaint with the police. Julia and Heleen [police officers with from Sensoa, the Flemish center of expertise on sexual health] say this is due to the hurdles survivors face when reporting sexual violence, not to mention the trauma associated with interrogations and pervasive victim blaming" (para 6). "Victims...more
May 24, 2026, 11:18 a.m.
Countries: Belarus
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Women are disproportionately affected by the severe clampdown on human rights in Belarus, where the authorities have been flagrantly disregarding the country’s human rights obligations ahead of the August 2020 presidential election. Women are subjected to gender-based stereotyping and discrimination grounded in patriarchal notions of gender roles which present them as 'vulnerable' and 'weak', deny them control over their bodies and reductively frame them in caring or parental roles and responsibilities. It is also evident in the run-up to the August presidential election that women are often targeted by the authorities in gender-specific ways" (para 1). Patriarchal gender stereotypes and gender-specific targeting by authorities can create barriers to reporting sexual...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Women are disproportionately affected by the severe clampdown on human rights in Belarus, where the authorities have been flagrantly disregarding the country’s human rights obligations ahead of the August 2020 presidential election. Women are subjected to gender-based stereotyping and discrimination grounded in patriarchal notions of gender roles which present them as 'vulnerable' and 'weak', deny them control over their bodies and reductively frame them in caring or parental roles and responsibilities. It is also evident in the run-up to the August presidential election that women are often targeted by the authorities in gender-specific ways" (para 1). Patriarchal gender stereotypes and gender-specific targeting by authorities can create barriers to reporting sexual...more
May 24, 2026, 11:07 a.m.
Countries: Belarus
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Authorities in Belarus are using a variety of stratagems to thwart fair investigations into hundreds of complaints of violence and acts of torture by security forces following disputed presidential elections, says a report published today by two human rights groups, the Committee Against Torture (CAT Russia) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)... Some of the survivors also report sexual abuse or threats of a sexual nature and humiliation" (para 1-3). When authorities are accused of actively thwarting investigations into violence, torture, and sexual abuse complaints, survivors may believe that reporting assault will not lead to accountability or protection. The reference to sexual abuse, threats of a sexual nature, and...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Authorities in Belarus are using a variety of stratagems to thwart fair investigations into hundreds of complaints of violence and acts of torture by security forces following disputed presidential elections, says a report published today by two human rights groups, the Committee Against Torture (CAT Russia) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)... Some of the survivors also report sexual abuse or threats of a sexual nature and humiliation" (para 1-3). When authorities are accused of actively thwarting investigations into violence, torture, and sexual abuse complaints, survivors may believe that reporting assault will not lead to accountability or protection. The reference to sexual abuse, threats of a sexual nature, and...more
May 24, 2026, 10:53 a.m.
Countries: Belarus
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"'Insatiable in their intention to silence their political opponents and any form of dissent, the Belarusian authorities are wheeling out practices that smack of misogyny. They are deliberately targeting women involved in politics or female family members of political activists, including with open discrimination and threats of sexual violence,' said Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director... Women also face disproportionate and politically motivated persecution, intimidation, harassment and reprisals in Belarus today" (para 3-4). Survivors may avoid reporting rape because they do not trust authorities to protect them and may instead fear intimidation, humiliation, retaliation, or further violence imposed by the Belarusian police (LEN - CODER COMMENT)....more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"'Insatiable in their intention to silence their political opponents and any form of dissent, the Belarusian authorities are wheeling out practices that smack of misogyny. They are deliberately targeting women involved in politics or female family members of political activists, including with open discrimination and threats of sexual violence,' said Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director... Women also face disproportionate and politically motivated persecution, intimidation, harassment and reprisals in Belarus today" (para 3-4). Survivors may avoid reporting rape because they do not trust authorities to protect them and may instead fear intimidation, humiliation, retaliation, or further violence imposed by the Belarusian police (LEN - CODER COMMENT)....more
May 23, 2026, 2:44 p.m.
Countries: Bahrain
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Article 334 of the penal code reduces the penalties for perpetrators of so-called honor crimes" (para 21). This discourages survivors from reporting sexual violence because these reduced sentences reinforce cultural ideas that sexual violence brings shame upon a family rather than focusing on harm done to the victim (LEN - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Article 334 of the penal code reduces the penalties for perpetrators of so-called honor crimes" (para 21). This discourages survivors from reporting sexual violence because these reduced sentences reinforce cultural ideas that sexual violence brings shame upon a family rather than focusing on harm done to the victim (LEN - CODER COMMENT).
May 23, 2026, 2:12 p.m.
Countries: Bahrain
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Bahrain’s penal code criminalizes adultery and sexual relations outside marriage, a violation of the right to privacy which disproportionately harms women and migrant women. Women who are pregnant outside marriage, as well as women who report rape, can find themselves prosecuted for consensual extramarital sex" (para 31).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Bahrain’s penal code criminalizes adultery and sexual relations outside marriage, a violation of the right to privacy which disproportionately harms women and migrant women. Women who are pregnant outside marriage, as well as women who report rape, can find themselves prosecuted for consensual extramarital sex" (para 31).
May 23, 2026, 1:29 p.m.
Countries: Barbados
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Child Rights defender Faith Marshall-Harris is concerned with the level of underreporting of incidents of statutory rape occurring in Barbados, which in some instances leads to pregnancy. She has founded a helpline where instances of child abuse can be reported, and says some people contact the helpline but back out or withhold information when attempts are made to get the authorities involved. She’s also concerned about delays with cases before the court" (para 1-5).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Child Rights defender Faith Marshall-Harris is concerned with the level of underreporting of incidents of statutory rape occurring in Barbados, which in some instances leads to pregnancy. She has founded a helpline where instances of child abuse can be reported, and says some people contact the helpline but back out or withhold information when attempts are made to get the authorities involved. She’s also concerned about delays with cases before the court" (para 1-5).
May 23, 2026, 11:36 a.m.
Countries: Barbados
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"There is no risk for you in reporting the crime to the local police. In December 2022, a court ruling in Barbados decriminalised ‘buggery’ [a British legal term for sodomy] but attitudes remain conservative" (para 11-12).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2
"There is no risk for you in reporting the crime to the local police. In December 2022, a court ruling in Barbados decriminalised ‘buggery’ [a British legal term for sodomy] but attitudes remain conservative" (para 11-12).