Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: What the Term Covers

Reviewed 18 September 2026. This is an evergreen explainer; case-specific legal findings should be checked against the newest authoritative source.

In short: Conflict-related sexual violence includes rape and other grave sexual violence linked directly or indirectly to conflict. It affects women, men, girls and boys.

Conflict-related sexual violence, often shortened to CRSV, refers to grave forms of sexual violence that are directly or indirectly linked to conflict. The UN definition includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilisation, forced marriage and other sexual violence of comparable gravity.

The conflict link matters

Not every act of sexual violence occurring in a country at war is automatically classified as CRSV. Analysts look for connections to the conflict, such as the identity or affiliation of the perpetrator, the victim’s perceived identity, patterns of targeting, detention, displacement, trafficking, territorial control or a climate of impunity related to the conflict.

CRSV affects more than women and girls

Women and girls are disproportionately affected in many conflicts, but men, boys and people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities can also be victims. Stigma and criminalisation can make reporting by male and LGBT survivors particularly difficult.

Sexual violence is not an inevitable by-product of war

International law prohibits rape and other serious sexual violence. Depending on the context and elements, such acts can constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity and, in specific circumstances, acts of genocide. The UN Security Council treats conflict-related sexual violence as a peace-and-security issue as well as a human-rights and humanitarian concern.

Underreporting is severe

Fear of retaliation, stigma, lack of health services, insecurity and distrust of authorities can prevent survivors from reporting. Published case numbers should therefore not be read as a complete prevalence estimate. Verification standards used by UN monitoring mechanisms can also produce conservative minimum counts.

Survivor-centred reporting matters

Journalists and researchers should avoid details that identify survivors without informed consent, should not pressure people to recount traumatic experiences repeatedly, and should use language that does not imply blame. Access to health care and safety is more urgent than extracting testimony for publication.

Accountability requires specialised evidence

Investigating sexual violence involves medical, testimonial, digital and contextual evidence, but a case should not depend on medical evidence alone. Delays in reporting are common and do not by themselves undermine credibility. Trauma-informed investigation and witness protection are essential.

Frequently asked questions

Can sexual violence be a war crime?

Yes, depending on the conduct, armed-conflict nexus and other legal elements.

Can CRSV happen after active fighting declines?

Yes. The conflict link can persist in periods of occupation, instability or aftermath, depending on the circumstances.

Are reported case numbers the true prevalence?

Usually not. Underreporting can be substantial.