User:Blweave1/sandbox

In Guatemala, about 10,000 women report being raped each year. The actual number is likely higher because victims often avoid reporting the incident, partly because they have little faith that their justice or health care systems will provide assistance. The nation's health care institutions are ill equipped and unwilling to provide care to the thousands of people victimized by sexual violence each year .

International Organizations.

International organizations like Doctors Without Borders try to fill the gap in Guatemala's health care and provide assistance to victims of sexual violence. In 2007, Doctors Without Borders opened a clinic in Guatemala City that provides comprehensive care for such victims. The organization is also implementing educational programs in Guatemala City that aim to end the prevalence of sexual violence there.

The Center for Gender and Refugee Studies investigates and reports on sexual violence in Guatemala, working with human rights advocates, government groups, and community groups based in Guatemala . They have published papers on the ineffectiveness of Guatemala’s Law Against Femicide and Other Forms of Violence Against Women, passed in 2008. They also provide resources for attorney representing female victims of sexual violence, and help advocates in Guatemala implement laws that prevent sexual violence. They also educate countries around the world about the prevalence of sexual violence in Guatemala, so that international pressure can be put on the country to prevent sexual violence against women.

Long Term Health Problems

Common health problems that victims of sexual assault in Guatemala often suffer include HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, Hepatitis B, syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhoea. Because health care is not readily accessible and education about sexual violence not prevalent, avoidable and treatable health problems go untreated.

The emotional and psychological impact of sexual violence often requires professional health care to treat, but the stigma surrounding sexual violence makes it difficult for people to discuss. When a community is occupied of destroyed, an entire community of women may be subjected to rape and sexual or domestic slavery, affecting the prosperity and health of the community after a conflict’s end .

Sexual Violence as a War Tactic

Sexual violence is often used as a tactic in war, and many women, particularly women from indigenous tribes, often become sex slaves to soldiers and are subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence. In February 2016, the Sepur Zarco trial convicted two ex-soldiers of crimes against humanity for their sexual abuse of 11 indigenous Q’eqchi’ women, the forced disappearance of the women’s husbands, and the murder of a women and her two daughters. The women of the Q’eqchi” community received substantial reparations for the damage done by the convicted soldiers.

This is the first time a case of sexual slavery during armed conflict has been considered in court. In Guatemala, in was the first time any form of sexual violence during a conflict had been settled in court .

Draft of Section in Article "Violence Against Women in Guatemala"

Section: Sexual Violence

I'd like to add some information about what organizations like Doctors Without Borders are doing to prevent sexual violence against women in Guatemala.

I'd also like to add information on the history of rape and sexual violence as war tactics.

I'd also like to add information about the what long-term health problems sexual violence causes for women and young girls.