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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> WUNRN_LISTSERVE-owner@lists.wunrn.com [mailto:WUNRN_LISTSERVE-owner@lists.wunrn.com]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>WUNRN LISTSERVE<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, September 5, 2017 1:24 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> WUNRN ListServe <wunrn_listserve@lists.wunrn.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WUNRN] Shattering 5 Myths about Sexual Violence in Emergencies<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">WUNRN<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.wunrn.com/&c=E,1,RkiFN2GqWIvObuvJI8vnLuU1CxfuKe1f41EQEg3zklY5XM0w93b6hWDPIzPfPAEQqO8JpjfALFXU9Xqe--Tnkk3bzE7uIyerm8hCJf0YZLXdpgbCR1I,&typo=1">http://www.wunrn.com</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/5MythsShattered%3futm_source%3d1+September%252C+2017%26utm_campaign%3d2%252F2%252F2017%26utm_medium%3demail&c=E,1,LeKwhuBV4lme6V4gnIbYR3nlqvgaMoh2an6r0oG43eXJhyuJSqHPG-7f3_pBqC75HF1ztpwsZ5PWZg6WpeKhYICfpAODmqUqpDE1j7CGJZXbSwm813TU&typo=1">http://www.unfpa.org/5MythsShattered?utm_source=1+September%2C+2017&utm_campaign=2%2F2%2F2017&utm_medium=email</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:robotobold;color:#404040">Shattering 5 Myths about Sexual Violence in Emergencies
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><img border="0" width="679" height="452" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D3242D.CCEFC430" alt="Shattering five myths about sexual violence in emergencies "></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">UNFPA mobile teams have reached thousands of survivors of gender-based violence in Ukraine. A young mother is assisted by a UNFPA mobile
team in Sloviansk. © UNFPA/Maks Levin <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:roboto_condensedbold;color:gray">18 August 2017 - UNITED NATIONS, New York<b> –
</b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Sexual violence is widespread throughout the world. This is true even in times of peace and stability, but it escalates during humanitarian crises.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">In conflicts,
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/women-face-unspeakable-sexual-violence-south-sudan&c=E,1,r-_hYIqRqfqVCqsFIYlP6vXg4HU3TyNiSfSKcGyAYqAe_KlwZwJZbAgbNnzZ7zby0xZBUrS0oFBjZ5CmUJ2yjZJadN10BKxiPuhJoav69fo,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">women’s bodies can become battlegrounds</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">,
with rape used to humiliate and </span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/violence-against-women-escalates-under-yemens-brutal-conflict&c=E,1,haCR4_QwwRTZTTi7V4vKXVxezLXD8QojXa3Mg7EFsxEY-qkdIbewGnWWK3eAdh1ruvvUEk7ezH1XMKlNCF3uQp7a2oCDHCTAb9u7dLAYOQfR7e0Rzwo,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">dominate</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">.
Protection systems also collapse during natural disasters, </span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/risks-women-and-girls-soar-hurricane-slammed-haiti&c=E,1,QvaprXC57AceOf7HDhOCQZbsfAEgRzlLYbLCBjduOC3MZBASTGF4Fyzi4zKfaBvc12hhTLdSRyuM1UNJGVzCSN238E-DEuj5cL4fqSw,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">leaving
women and girls vulnerable</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">. And child marriage, a form of gender-based violence, is often seen as a
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/new-study-finds-child-marriage-rising-among-most-vulnerable-syrian-refugees&c=E,1,HyCuYj7vN6zj3qsLmw5hu_XRmU5nZxyA2NPN7XrrXG6K-D76oRlFKRG--XQijoxkomgz2SUYheI7TTa80uhGbluKhigeaWr40bl_3VdMXKMGskkEH3Q,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">coping mechanism</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">among crisis-affected families.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Yet common misconceptions about gender-based violence end up stigmatizing survivors and undermining efforts to keep people safe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">On 19 August,
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://worldhumanitarianday.org/en&c=E,1,3CI9pQkhKo5ClrcFTo8cmcq_iTkNlkkxokTbIR5W-IJKcRVZqG_mQK5qgpUTKwhYOhrOOFWhrm_ZRasPMKArfshDskdgRimbtnM2PpW5JcZm5R_u0SfrLsjeGA,,&typo=1" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">World Humanitarian Day</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">offers a moment to reflect on the enormous task of protecting those beset by war, disaster and unrest. As part of its call to action, the #NotATarget campaign demands that
all forms of sexual violence are outlawed; that survivor-centered support is given and that perpetrators of sexual violence be held to account.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">World Humanitarian Day is also an opportunity to recognize that the world’s humanitarian obligations cannot be met unless we shatter
the myths that perpetuate violence and block survivors from the services they need.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Below, UNFPA addresses five dangerous misperceptions about gender-based violence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><img border="0" width="679" height="453" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D3242D.CCEFC430" alt="http://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/UNFPA-Supported-shelter_embed.jpg"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#0D0D0D">A women’s shelter in a port city in Yemen – Photo: UNFPA Yemen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#CCCCCC"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:robotobold;color:#404040">Myth 1: Victims of gender-based
violence are helpless.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:robotobold;color:#404040"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">People who experience gender-based violence are often depicted in the media as fragile, feeble and distraught. In fact, this expectation
of helplessness is harmful to survivors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">People who endure violence react in an endless variety of ways. Some are angry, others distressed. Some have no obvious external reaction.
Misguided assumptions about how survivors are supposed to act leads people to doubt truthful accounts of violence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">UNFPA considers those who endure gender-based violence to be survivors rather than victims, capable of not just recovery but also
action and leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Survivors of gender-based violence can and should be empowered. Survivors themselves are best placed to articulate their needs and
explain their challenges, which can include stigma, lack of judicial services, poor access to medical care or lack of income to access the services they need.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Done right, programmes can help women find protection from violence, demand law enforcement, and acquire the skills to support themselves
and their families.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Some
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/empowering-girls-take-stand-against-violence-abuse&c=E,1,SYQglf59sOhlShVJBXjotOrReGFZN5s8SU7ERebz0xsgtXtk7__3qc1URbcmpkmq_6JpLzT8phV6MgBy4wb9YdhbaraGuxOOJmg65ZTXSVl_&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">survivors</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">will themselves go on to become
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/seven-years-resistance-one-girl%25E2%2580%2599s-fight-against-fgm&c=E,1,sjx9Ip6gKj-GuzpVjEeTz0gzq8Aa3Y3xNgJpw7fDlhvKNunydKZYrcZ86FTUtinrzfOr9de_B1ZbBWVSuTzJU2NmIbZETYsR8b4xn0t2atPKXsyBZBsCh2M,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">advocates</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">for
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/empowerment-programmes-help-girls-break-free-violence&c=E,1,n4CR-xjPTl2QbijAgXEhx0n4jkwcpBUgP0D3il4kH3ckZWsnLtGFzQyqrAMY1aqbh7FHxFnvnWwyu2MvYYMBojQWvR8GJU73q16Nh3W8DN3nhykY7l5cYz8wAA,,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">women</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><img border="0" width="679" height="453" id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D3242D.CCEFC430" alt="http://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/Marawi-Article-Photo-_embed.jpg"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#0D0D0D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#0D0D0D">A displaced family opens up a UNFPA-supplied dignity kit Mindanao, Philippines. Dignity kits contain life-saving items such as soap,
flashlights and radios. © UNFPA <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:3.0pt;margin-left:0in">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:robotobold;color:#404040">Myth 2: In humanitarian disasters, life-saving interventions, like food and shelter, are more critical than responses to sexual and gender-based violence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:3.0pt;margin-left:0in">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Gender-based violence is often marginalized as a “women’s issue” and treated as a secondary consideration in humanitarian action However, addressing gender-based violence saves lives,
and is a priority in every emergency response.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Sexual violence itself can be, and often is, fatal. After violence, survivors may endure consequences – such as disability or stigma
– that prevent them from reaching life-saving services. And even fear of violence can be deadly, keeping women and girls from gathering firewood or queuing for food.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">But programmes to address violence offer protection at every stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Treatment of rape prevents the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Emergency contraception prevents unintended
pregnancies, which are especially dangerous in a humanitarian setting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">And violence prevention can also save lives. For example, UNFPA distributes dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls, which include
not only soap and sanitary napkins but also </span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/mothers-youth-displaced-solomon-islands-flooding&c=E,1,hEO5BPwTx5SkUf_JqrkxLbbU1_seKNUTRykJ1-5zYJcNLt9YefdLBXOXzHhxYLXaikHFfYrJFgfdoLQ0IIhWGMfxC2q9dPGYMFUcqH7F&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">flashlights and radios</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">to safely navigate in a crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><img border="0" width="679" height="453" id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image004.jpg@01D3242D.CCEFC430" alt="http://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/MCKULKA_UNFPA_embed_0.jpg"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#0D0D0D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#0D0D0D">UNFPA is providing post-rape treatment kits and other essential health supplies in South Sudan, where sexual violence has been widespread.
© UNFPA/Tim McKulka<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:3.0pt;margin-left:0in">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:robotobold;color:#404040">Myth 3: Humanitarians can only take action when there is proof of sexual violence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:3.0pt;margin-left:0in">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">It is often believed that evidence is required before humanitarians can take action or commit funds to address gender-based violence. In fact, sexual exploitation, intimate partner
violence and other forms of abuse are a known threat in every emergency situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:3.0pt;margin-left:0in">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Even in peacetime, gathering evidence is challenging because shame, bullying and fear keep survivors silent, and because reports of abuse are routinely questioned or dismissed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">In a crisis setting, these conditions are even more pronounced. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">But we know that displacement and the breakdown of protection systems compound the risk of violence. Rape and other forms of sexual
violence have been documented as tactics of warfare in all recent conflicts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">No one questions when humanitarians prepare food, tents or medical supplies in advance of a typhoon, expecting these supplies will
save lives. The same logic must apply to programmes that prevent and address gender-based violence. It is unethical to wait for proof of wide-scale abuse; action must take place at the earliest moments of a crisis response.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:robotobold;color:#404040">Myth 4: Addressing gender-based violence means imposing ideas and values onto other cultures.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Gender-based violence exists in every country, culture and community. It is the most widespread, yet least reported human rights abuse in the world, affecting an
</span><a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">estimated 35 per cent of women</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">.
Men and boys also experience gender-based violence. This is true everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">This violence is almost universally recognized as unacceptable and wrong. Most acts of gender-based violence – though not all – are outlawed by governments around the world. A
</span><a href="http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/48/a48r104.htm" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">wide range</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">of
</span><a href="http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">international instruments</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">and conventions also recognize gender-based violence as a human rights violation..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">National governments are responsible for protecting their citizens from conflict-related gender-based violence. UNFPA works with governments and local officials to support response
and prevention that are. For example, UNFPA trains </span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/training-helps-filipino-police-officer-uncover-human-trafficking-case&c=E,1,wRvEvMGyyjfGipZP4c3q81YTzGq_xaDRoOIIginXEDaDCM0Hz3cSziDlwpEevJmEeM2w1UOfBmj0PQeKD69WqUBo3G4FPhZiHWe9fXE,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">police
officers</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">, lawyers and judges to ensure national
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/finding-justice-survivors-gender-based-violence-somalia&c=E,1,ll9opYutbv0tBDROWyp14Le63zKFczW-8TDuCpkZF08YP6nlvU2B9Ocyk1i9SQ0GWVOgGL6g59CPr4A8Xifya0fLbOmukyJwij9RY8HU2Mk,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">laws are enforced</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:robotobold;color:#404040">Myth 5: Only experts can address sexual violence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">Survivors of gender-based violence require sensitive, specialized assistance. UNFPA – which leads the coordination of violence prevention and response in emergencies – supports many
of these services, including </span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/iraq-centre-brings-specialized-care-gender-violence-survivors&c=E,1,K4_r_4qAtbIeePZfR8FGiMxiZ4J5ORnxN5DTE4z5G03MaSXuqOQbnX4yKziJdoIDP4ANVjQNrdRvdCqtYbLZHk3kFUnZ5NibNlwDcBtQy2Qq4FOD5EYOFds,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">confidential medical
treatment</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">, culturally sensitive
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/unfpa-responds-gender-violence-conflict-scarred-kachin&c=E,1,a_wh2mFk32HjPMJiUzz0RNpdiZXK-HOTAvbOPZTmXbKhFKPqN5MShnzIHn0LMlVW-Sk9bOjtxFpmXgwEjdaHiA_zCjlCPuQANvAKvIXr1yQ,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">counselling</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">and
</span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http://www.unfpa.org/news/supporting-women-crisis-syrian-refugees-find-services-and-hope-turkeys-safe-spaces&c=E,1,qEGXYSV8XITZ5cS6cRTkY-R_r889VseZrrojb44xJo_wHXzcI8qmgwo-gARiLZN55V0Lb2QM3Uhjv94WTkTNJ0kV7JGqhAzU8zAmp3i-yape1CCtEUQ,&typo=1"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:#1C97C8;text-decoration:none">safe spaces</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">.
But this does not mean only experts can or should respond to sexual violence. All humanitarian responders have a responsibility to take action that minimizes risks for women and girls.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:robotoregular;color:gray">For example, aid groups that provide clean water can ensure there are enough distribution points to prevent women and girls from travelling long and dangerous distances to reach pumps.
Aid groups setting up camp latrines can ensure the and pathways to them, are well-lit, to minimize attacks. To fulfil their most basic duty – to serve the most vulnerable – every humanitarian must be committed to ending gender-based violence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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