Sexual violence has become a public health issue in Central African Republic (CAR) over the past decade, with women and minors being the most affected groups. In a country marked by years of civil war and facing a long-term crisis, assaults are perpetrated not just by members of armed groups; often the assault is committed by someone known to the victim.
Sexual violence remains a public health crisis in Central African Republic
Format After the assault, I thought I would take my own life, said Charlotte , an 18-year-old survivor of sexual violence. Charlotte is from Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic (CAR). After her mother died, her father rejected her so she went to live with her aunt and her uncle. One day, her uncle raped her while the rest of the family was out. When Charlotte told her aunt about the rape, she did not believe her. So she went to the police, but they wouldn t help her. Charlotte felt completely alone and desperate.