Sexual violence is a severe issue in Somalia and Somaliland, with many cases unreported or unaddressed. A recent incident involved a 13-year-old girl being attacked by multiple men, exemplifying the widespread problem. The impact of such violence includes health issues, unwanted pregnancies, isolation, stigmatization, and severe psychological trauma, sometimes leading to suicide. Despite efforts to improve responses, many women, especially those from internally displaced and minority communities, remain at risk. SIHA’s paper examines the prevalence, drivers, consequences, and existing response frameworks to sexual violence, offering recommendations for enhancement.
