Sexual Security

Product Information

The PSVI team in the FCDO leads action across the department and maintains strong links with others in government, including the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, and Cabinet Office. Wider partners This enables the military to work in harmony with the police who are trained to conduct investigations into complex sexual crimes using trauma informed victim- centered strategies, undertake SGBV analysis, forensic evidence management, and implement Achieving Best Evidence practice and documentation, all in compliance with the Murad Code, a UK- funded code of conduct for documenting CRSV survivors’ experiences ethically and effectively. Ghana has reported enhanced investigative capability and focus on victims both in the UN mission and at home, contributing to strengthened accountability for SGBV in conflict. UK capabilities: strengthen HMG’s capabilities so we can deliver on our WPS commitments Special measures can also be applied for and put in place during court proceedings to make the experience less traumatic for victims and witnesses. Where they are available, measures include:

The CPS is committed to taking all practicable steps to help victims through the often difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. There are multi-agency Witness Care Units staffed by police and CPS Witness Care Officers across the UK. Special measures annual UK funding for humanitarian interventions which have been adapted to target women, girls and/including survivors of GBVbuilding an understanding of the barriers to delivering justice and accountability, particularly in contexts where there is a high prevalence of CRSV BPST will train and build the capacity of T/PCCs, UN and AU peacekeepers to enhance their knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for advancing gender equality and WPS priorities in peace support operation planning, implementation and operations. For more information about how prosecutors should approach the prosecution of rape and sexual offences, including the application of the Code for Crown Prosecutors, please see our Rape and Sexual Offences Legal Guidance.

Provide diplomatic and political support to women mediators and peacebuilders within conflict settings, including through influence with bilateral and multilateral partners. Sexual violence is a deeply inhumane and illegal tactic of warfare, shattering lives and scarring communities. As we launch this strategy, sexual violence continues in conflicts across the world, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria and Myanmar. There is also mounting evidence of rape and other heinous crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. The UK is working with the Ukrainian Government and the International Criminal Court to bring the perpetrators to justice. up to date SEAH risk management plans will be in place, informed by SEAH risk assessment (and in countries with humanitarian responses informed by SEA risk index) When there is an allegation of rape or sexual assault, prosecutors will consider consent in two stages. First, they will consider whether the complainant had the capacity to choose whether or not to take part in sexual activity, for example whether the use of drugs or alcohol may have affected their ability to consent. They will also consider whether the complainant was free to make the choice, and not constrained in any way. Consent is a fundamental issue in rape and sexual assault cases because the prosecution is required to prove to the court that the victim did not consent and that the suspect did not have a reasonable belief that the victim was consenting.On 24 February, Russia launched a premeditated and wholly unprovoked invasion into Ukraine. Since then, we have been horrified by reports of rape and sexual violence committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine. We have been clear that Russia’s barbaric acts must be investigated and those responsible held to account. The UK Government is committed to transparency on its progress against the NAP. We will continue to work closely with the WPS All-Party Parliamentary Group ( APPG) and civil society to ensure we are accountable and open to scrutiny.

Increase the number of UK women peacekeepers in line with the UN Secretary-General’s Gender Parity Strategy which sets targets that increase by 1% each year until 2028 when the number of Military Staff Officers should be at 25% and Troop Contingents at 15%. Continue to support the implementation of the WPS priorities in the UN Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative and Action for Peacekeeping +. The UK will do this through military and police deployments into peacekeeping missions, support to the UN Secretariat mandate renewals and training for troop and police contributing countries.It is very important that this takes place when it is still fresh and you have evidence,” she said. There’s a stigma attached to it, and a big mental hurdle for speaking out in terms of revoking painful memories that had been buried for a certain period of time, which is in itself never easy,” she said.