Rape as a Weapon of War

Rape as a weapon of war refers to the deliberate use of sexual violence by armed groups or soldiers to intimidate, destabilize, or control a population. It often targets civilians, especially women and girls, to weaken communities, erase cultural identities, or exact revenge. This tactic can cause profound physical and emotional trauma, disrupt social cohesion, and perpetuate cycles of violence. It is considered a serious violation of human rights and a war crime, used strategically to achieve political or military objectives rather than for personal reasons.