Katrien Coppens, general manager of the dr. Denis Mukwege Foundationwhich works for victims of sexual violence during wars, is not surprised about the stories from Ukraine. “Given the events in the east of the country in recent years and the fact that sexual violence is almost always used in wars, we must assume that this will happen,” she says.
According to Coppens, sometimes the goal is to ethnically cleanse a population. The reproductive organs of women are then so mutilated that they can no longer have children. But rape is mainly used to disrupt a society. “It has to do with stigma and taboo. It often happens in front of the spouse, parents or children. The shame of the victim is enormous, but also the people around are ashamed, because they were not able to protect the victim. .”
Towards justice
After a rape, victims should receive immediate medical and psychological help. “But in the midst of chaos and violence, that is often impossible. In hospitals, those injured with shrapnel are given priority.”
“That is precisely why it is important that we document as accurately as possible what exactly happens,” explains Matviichuk. “That way we can at least do something for the victims.” According to Coppens, telling their story is already important. “It contributes to the processing and it also helps other victims. They realize that they are not alone.”
It remains very difficult to estimate the scale of the use of sexual violence by Russian troops, Matviichuk says. “It is only when there is no more fighting and areas are back in Ukrainian hands that the magnitude will become clear. As it is now becoming clear what happened in Butsha.”
–
