In the world’s conflict zones, Doctors Without Borders reports that its staffers alone treat an average of 35 cases of rape every day. Rape is being used as a weapon of war in Congo, runs rampant in impoverished South African townships and is an increasingly common experience of Zimbabwean refugees. Said Meinie Nicolai, director for the medical aid group in Belgium:

The “silent epidemic of sexual violence” has devastating effects on women that last a lifetime

We can never stress this truth as well as remember enough the sexual violence in the United States, the war here at home 

Against Lesbians

Two men and a teen were charged in the alleged gang rape of a San Francisco Bay area lesbian last month. A second teen has also been arrested in a case that has drawn national attention. (Jan. 7)

Against children

A Massachusetts elementary school teacher pleaded not guilty to rape charges Friday after allegedly having sex with a boy numerous times, beginning when he was 13. (Jan. 13)

By police officers

Three New York police officers have been arraigned on felony charges for what authorities say was a brutal attack on a tattoo parlor worker they suspected of smoking marijuana. The three surrendered this morning to face charges. (Dec. 9)

Against women

The parents of an Arkansas television anchorwoman who was beaten to death said Monday there is evidence their daughter also was sexually assaulted, and that she broke her hand fighting her attacker. (Dec. 1)

Against women

A 27-year-old Nevada man appeared in court to face charges for the rape and murder of 19-year-old Brianna Denison, and additional charges for attacking another woman. (Nov. 27)

Against women?

The woman who prosecutors determined falsely accused three Duke lacrosse players of rape maintains in a new memoir that she was attacked, a claim that provoked an angry lawsuit threat from one player’s family. (Oct. 24)

Huffington Post» Rape A Growing Program Around Globe: Doctors Without Borders