ABOUT GBV WEST AFRICA EXPOSED

The following testimonies were shared by refugees, internally displaced persons and other persons of concern to UNHCR across the West and Central Africa Region. All stories were collected with their informed consent. Their first names as well as their country of origin have been changed. The photos are illustrative.

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Cameroon: Mercy's testimony

"I am a single parent who engages in survival sex to gain shelter and food…"

GBV: Survival sex

#Rape #SurvivalSex
#Cameroon #RCA

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I am a single parent who engages in survival sex to have shelter and food.

I was abandoned by my partner while four months pregnant and had no adult male relative to take care of both myself and my daughter.

I raise my child on my own and am unable to feed myself or my daughter daily. I feel forced to engage in survival sex to provide for both.

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Gender-based violence is a challenge that affects women and girl’s health and well-being. When women and girls prosper, families and societies prosper. It’s time to end gender-based violence and support survivors.

For more information about rape

1. Rape: vaginal, anal or oral penetration without consent (even superficial), using the penis or another part of the body. Also applies to inserting an object into the vagina or anus.

 

2. Sexual assault: any form of sexual contact without consent that does not lead to or is not based on an act of penetration. Among other examples: attempted rape, as well as unwanted kissing, fondling and touching the genitals or buttocks. FGM is an act of violence that damages the sexual organs; they should therefore be classified as sexual assault. This type of incident does not include rape (which consists of an act of penetration).

 

3. It is considered that in the WCA region, 1 in 3 women have been sexually assaulted, and 1 in 5 raped.

ABOUT GBV WEST AFRICA EXPOSED

The following testimonies were shared by refugees, internally displaced persons and other persons of concern to UNHCR across the West and Central Africa Region. All stories were collected with their informed consent. Their first names as well as their country of origin have been changed. The photos are illustrative.