Throughout history, rape and other forms of sexual violence have been used as a weapon of war and a tool to punish, terrorise and destroy populations. Recognising that the consequences of these atrocities are devastating not only to the victims but also to communities as a whole, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 19 as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, a day to honour victims and survivors of sexual violence from all over the world, and pay tribute to those who have courageously devoted their lives to eradicate these crimes.
This year, Stop Rape Italia marked the occasion using the venerable Colosseum to amplify survivors’ calls to action and to share the truth about their struggles. The initiative was part of a larger project under the III National Action Plan to implement the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, to recognise the shocking numbers of women who have suffered – and continue to suffer – from these heinous crimes.