Rape in Zimbabwe in order to "fix" elections

Yesterday it was revealed in a report by the non profit group Aids Free World that it had completed an investigation into allegations of rape in Zimbabwe at the hands of government backed militias. The report states that on at least 70 occasions, militiamen attached to the ruling party raped women in order suppress opposition part political activities. This strategic use of rape has been common in recent times as its perpetrators seek to instill fear in both the women and their immediate families. The living victim then gos on to serve as a reminder if the demands of the particular militia,political party, or religious authority are not met further rapes will occur in the future.

Read the full report here:

http://www.aids-freeworld.org/content/view/339/198/

Read PRI's interview with one of the Directors of Aids Free World:

http://www.theworld.org/2009/12/10/sexual-assault-in-mugabes-zimbabwe/

Women for Women Interantional

After seeing this group on the Oprah Winfrey Show, I will be donating to their cause. Their mission is to halt sexual violence in war zones and to uplift the lives of women. If you have ever read any my previous posts on sexual violence in combat zones you understand how prevalent and under reported the phenomenon is until very recently. Please go to their website and see the work that they are doing.

http://www.womenforwomen.org/

and watch the 60 minutes piece on rape in the Congo:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/11/60minutes/main3701249.shtml