Event to commemorate the 11th official observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, co-hosted by the Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Office of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict, and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations:
“Breaking the Cycle, Healing the Scars: Addressing the Intergenerational Effects of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)”
Conference Room 5, Thursday, 19 June 2025, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Live webcast available at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1q/k1qu8v0h40
Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) attacks social cohesion by destroying the fabric of entire communities and leaving survivors and their families to reckon with its devastating effects, long after the guns fall silence. The effects of this crime echo across generations, manifested through physical and psychological trauma, stigma, and poverty. Conflict-related sexual violence can impact survivors and their families for generations, both physically and mentally.
Additionally, the stigmatization of sexual violence in some communities can cause both survivors and their families to be ostracized and unable to access social safety nets and community networks that are crucial to the healing process. This can be exacerbated by a pregnancy resulting from sexual violence and can cause generations of children to be rejected by their community.
Without intervention, this cycle of trauma perpetuates social fragmentation and lasting psychological trauma. Healing requires access to mental health and psychosocial support. Survivors and their families need trauma-informed care to help them process their experiences and build resilience. Community-based interventions, child-friendly support for child survivors, education, and legislative policy changes also play a role in preventing CRSV and supporting survivors.
By addressing intergenerational trauma, we can enable a future where survivors and their children can reclaim their lives and future and replace horror with healing and hope.
