The baseline survey shows that many categories of gender-based violence are pervasive and engrained in social norms and practices. With the onset of the conflict, the situation has deteriorated dangerously, with rape and sexual violence being used as a weapon of war, and women and girls even more vulnerable to abuse in the aftermath of fighting. The report concludes that in South Sudan, the vast majority of women and girls will survive at least one form of gender-based violence: be it rape; sexual assault; physical assault; forced/early marriage; psychological/emotional abuse; or denial of resources, opportunities or services.
The report urges donors to immediately address the issue of sexual violence in South Sudan, including funding the South Sudan gender-based violence response plan, and increasing investment in and support for more effective service delivery to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.
