More than 75% of assisted Syrian refugees are women and children. The targeting of civilians is well documented. But sexual violence against women and girls receives little attention. Cultural norms often prevent survivors from reporting sexual assault. Yet the facts are stark, and we cannot do them justice here.
In March and again in July, IRC conducted assessments of gender-based violence against Syrian refugee women and girls and also the availability of psycho-social and other support. Gender-based violence is clearly identified as a key reason why women and girls flee Syria.
Further, many female refugees must flee Syria alone with their children, which can put them all in unsafe situations. Coerced early marriage of Syrian girls has become a noticeable trend in Jordan as families buckle under financial stress.
Read the complete story International Rescue Committee, published 9 August 2012.
More than 75% of assisted Syrian refugees are women and children. The targeting of civilians is well documented. But sexual violence against women and girls receives little attention. Cultural norms often prevent survivors from reporting sexual assault. Yet the facts are stark, and we cannot do them justice here.
In March and again in July, IRC conducted assessments of gender-based violence against Syrian refugee women and girls and also the availability of psycho-social and other support. Gender-based violence is clearly identified as a key reason why women and girls flee Syria.
Further, many female refugees must flee Syria alone with their children, which can put them all in unsafe situations. Coerced early marriage of Syrian girls has become a noticeable trend in Jordan as families buckle under financial stress.
Read the complete story International Rescue Committee, published 9 August 2012.