Latest items for EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
June 24, 2026, 2:38 p.m.
Countries: Brazil
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Foureaux [Judge Rodrigo Foureaux, one of the two judges who developed the study in Brazil] pointed out that security work is still considered typically masculine. 'Although women are capable of providing the same services under equal conditions, they are disadvantaged by the existence of sexual harassment.' She explained that women are often seen as an asset to the institution. 'We've heard things like: women are only good for decorating the barracks or waxing the courtyards,' she revealed" (para 3). This information could indicate a core issue of discouragement for female service members to report intra-military rape/sexual assault: not taking the female service members seriously in the first place, therefore not...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Foureaux [Judge Rodrigo Foureaux, one of the two judges who developed the study in Brazil] pointed out that security work is still considered typically masculine. 'Although women are capable of providing the same services under equal conditions, they are disadvantaged by the existence of sexual harassment.' She explained that women are often seen as an asset to the institution. 'We've heard things like: women are only good for decorating the barracks or waxing the courtyards,' she revealed" (para 3). This information could indicate a core issue of discouragement for female service members to report intra-military rape/sexual assault: not taking the female service members seriously in the first place, therefore not...more
June 24, 2026, 2:15 p.m.
Countries: Brazil
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"One of the highlighted cases is that of Tamires (a fictitious name), a temporary sergeant in the Army, who reported being harassed on three occasions by Lieutenant Fábio de Andrade Fontes. However, the fear imposed by the rigid military obedience and the macho environment of the barracks prevented her from immediately reporting the harassment. After two years of legal proceedings, the officer was sentenced to one and a half years of detention, a decision that Tamires considered insufficient, since the accused maintained his military career while her contract was interrupted" (para 3).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"One of the highlighted cases is that of Tamires (a fictitious name), a temporary sergeant in the Army, who reported being harassed on three occasions by Lieutenant Fábio de Andrade Fontes. However, the fear imposed by the rigid military obedience and the macho environment of the barracks prevented her from immediately reporting the harassment. After two years of legal proceedings, the officer was sentenced to one and a half years of detention, a decision that Tamires considered insufficient, since the accused maintained his military career while her contract was interrupted" (para 3).
June 17, 2026, 7:10 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Bosnia and Herzegovina reports having measures and training to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, overseen by the Advisor for Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the MoD. The role of the appointed advisor is to coordinate, monitor and analyze activities related to the prevention of gender-based harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace and to present findings via reports. Training in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers topics from the Code of Ethics and Regulation on Military Discipline, which directly regulate sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. In 2023, training on the Code of Ethics and on Gender...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Bosnia and Herzegovina reports having measures and training to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, overseen by the Advisor for Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the MoD. The role of the appointed advisor is to coordinate, monitor and analyze activities related to the prevention of gender-based harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace and to present findings via reports. Training in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers topics from the Code of Ethics and Regulation on Military Discipline, which directly regulate sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. In 2023, training on the Code of Ethics and on Gender...more
June 16, 2026, 8:02 p.m.
Countries: Bolivia
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The Ombudsman's Office, through the Cochabamba Departmental Ombudsman's Office, is concerned that a female soldier who reported to her military unit that she had been a victim of sexual violence, allegedly committed by one of her comrades, is being subjected to a Military Informative Summary (a process initiated by the military authority), instead of activating protocols and procedures for care, framed within the current regulations and rules to safeguard her personal integrity within the military institution. 'The Ombudsman’s Office urges the Armed Forces not to leave unprotected the female soldier who reported being a victim of sexual violence by a military public servant, and that their actions and internal procedures...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The Ombudsman's Office, through the Cochabamba Departmental Ombudsman's Office, is concerned that a female soldier who reported to her military unit that she had been a victim of sexual violence, allegedly committed by one of her comrades, is being subjected to a Military Informative Summary (a process initiated by the military authority), instead of activating protocols and procedures for care, framed within the current regulations and rules to safeguard her personal integrity within the military institution. 'The Ombudsman’s Office urges the Armed Forces not to leave unprotected the female soldier who reported being a victim of sexual violence by a military public servant, and that their actions and internal procedures...more
June 16, 2026, 7:50 p.m.
Countries: Bolivia
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The mother of the second lieutenant reported that her daughter tried to take her own life by ingesting poison, due to the harassment following the incident and that she was threatened with being kicked out of the Army if she reported what happened" (para 9).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The mother of the second lieutenant reported that her daughter tried to take her own life by ingesting poison, due to the harassment following the incident and that she was threatened with being kicked out of the Army if she reported what happened" (para 9).
June 15, 2026, 5:33 p.m.
Countries: Bhutan
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, there are no publicly documented reports, survivor testimonies, or news accounts showing that Bhutanese female service members experienced intra-military rape/assault, reporting retaliation, shaming, cover-up, fear of superiors, or any other factor that kept discouraging them from reporting. The limited available evidence instead points to formal prevention practices in Bhutan’s peacekeeping context, including mandatory pre-deployment training on sexual exploitation and abuse, gender sensitivity, zero-tolerance reminders through the chain of command, and procedures for inquiry, investigation, court martial, or referral of grave cases. However, these sources do not provide detailed evidence about the day-to-day reporting climate for women inside the Royal Bhutan Army (MR-CODER COMMENT).more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, there are no publicly documented reports, survivor testimonies, or news accounts showing that Bhutanese female service members experienced intra-military rape/assault, reporting retaliation, shaming, cover-up, fear of superiors, or any other factor that kept discouraging them from reporting. The limited available evidence instead points to formal prevention practices in Bhutan’s peacekeeping context, including mandatory pre-deployment training on sexual exploitation and abuse, gender sensitivity, zero-tolerance reminders through the chain of command, and procedures for inquiry, investigation, court martial, or referral of grave cases. However, these sources do not provide detailed evidence about the day-to-day reporting climate for women inside the Royal Bhutan Army (MR-CODER COMMENT).more
June 10, 2026, 4:58 p.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"In this story [of a high-ranking Beninese soldier raping a female subordinate], the woman once again finds herself trapped by a tormentor who, using his position of authority, has achieved his goal: to sleep with his married subordinate at all costs. This is the primary objective. To this end, he may resort to harassment, threats, or even the use of 'substances' against the target, according to the victim's chilling statements. The pressure exerted on a subordinate is potentially harmful to her mental health and well-being. Who knows what really happened between this high-ranking military officer and his colleague before they had sex? Harassment, abuse of power, sexual abuse, adultery… The...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"In this story [of a high-ranking Beninese soldier raping a female subordinate], the woman once again finds herself trapped by a tormentor who, using his position of authority, has achieved his goal: to sleep with his married subordinate at all costs. This is the primary objective. To this end, he may resort to harassment, threats, or even the use of 'substances' against the target, according to the victim's chilling statements. The pressure exerted on a subordinate is potentially harmful to her mental health and well-being. Who knows what really happened between this high-ranking military officer and his colleague before they had sex? Harassment, abuse of power, sexual abuse, adultery… The...more
June 8, 2026, 7:10 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Tonight we [reporters at News 5] bring you more of our interview with the member of the civilian staff at the B.D.F. The victim has been working there for many years but as you heard in our Thursday night’s newscast, she doesn’t feel safe at her workplace. She feels that the culture at the B.D.F has encouraged some members of the force to use their authority to sexually assault and harass women. This woman fears that she will be victimized, that she will lose her job for speaking out about the injustices she, and other women experience on a daily basis..." (para 1). "This woman [Belizean servicewoman and a rape...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Tonight we [reporters at News 5] bring you more of our interview with the member of the civilian staff at the B.D.F. The victim has been working there for many years but as you heard in our Thursday night’s newscast, she doesn’t feel safe at her workplace. She feels that the culture at the B.D.F has encouraged some members of the force to use their authority to sexually assault and harass women. This woman fears that she will be victimized, that she will lose her job for speaking out about the injustices she, and other women experience on a daily basis..." (para 1). "This woman [Belizean servicewoman and a rape...more
June 5, 2026, 10:21 p.m.
Countries: Belgium
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The fear of testifying is great among female soldiers. 'First and foremost, there is a strong sense of loyalty within the Ministry of Defence,' explains lawyer and military law expert Carine Flamend. 'The victims do not want to tarnish the name of the Ministry of Defence. In addition, there is also a lot of shame. No one likes to go around publicizing these stories.' Lena [female Belgian soldier and a rape victim] experiences this too, initially trying to process the violence inflicted upon her on her own. In vain. 'I was completely lost. I didn't recognize myself anymore and I was shy. I wanted to get out of it myself....more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The fear of testifying is great among female soldiers. 'First and foremost, there is a strong sense of loyalty within the Ministry of Defence,' explains lawyer and military law expert Carine Flamend. 'The victims do not want to tarnish the name of the Ministry of Defence. In addition, there is also a lot of shame. No one likes to go around publicizing these stories.' Lena [female Belgian soldier and a rape victim] experiences this too, initially trying to process the violence inflicted upon her on her own. In vain. 'I was completely lost. I didn't recognize myself anymore and I was shy. I wanted to get out of it myself....more
June 4, 2026, 8:58 p.m.
Countries: Belarus
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, no documented evidence was found of practices within the Belarusian Armed Forces that encourage or discourage intra-military rape/assault, cover up such incidents, or encourage victims to report. This gap is largely structural: women are formally excluded from combat roles and effectively barred from the Military Academy, meaning the most commonly documented form of this variable — servicemembers assaulting fellow servicemembers — has virtually no institutional basis to occur. The closest relevant precedent is the post-Soviet hazing tradition known as *dedovshchina*, which has historically included sexual humiliation and assault as tools of dominance over junior conscripts in post-Soviet militaries, and which Belarusian officials acknowledge...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, no documented evidence was found of practices within the Belarusian Armed Forces that encourage or discourage intra-military rape/assault, cover up such incidents, or encourage victims to report. This gap is largely structural: women are formally excluded from combat roles and effectively barred from the Military Academy, meaning the most commonly documented form of this variable — servicemembers assaulting fellow servicemembers — has virtually no institutional basis to occur. The closest relevant precedent is the post-Soviet hazing tradition known as *dedovshchina*, which has historically included sexual humiliation and assault as tools of dominance over junior conscripts in post-Soviet militaries, and which Belarusian officials acknowledge...more
June 3, 2026, 12:03 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The tragic suicides of three female soldiers who were sexually assaulted in the army shows why cases should be taken out of the military's hands, a rape charity has warned" (para 1). "Two years ago, the Ministry of Defence announced a zero-tolerance policy for sexual offences in the military, meaning those found guilty are discharged from service. But experts say the court martial system is broken, where many acts which would shock civilians are brushed off as the 'culture' of the force, and there are calls for sexual offences to always be tried in a civilian court instead" (para 2-3). "Some women [serving in the UK military] who report being...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The tragic suicides of three female soldiers who were sexually assaulted in the army shows why cases should be taken out of the military's hands, a rape charity has warned" (para 1). "Two years ago, the Ministry of Defence announced a zero-tolerance policy for sexual offences in the military, meaning those found guilty are discharged from service. But experts say the court martial system is broken, where many acts which would shock civilians are brushed off as the 'culture' of the force, and there are calls for sexual offences to always be tried in a civilian court instead" (para 2-3). "Some women [serving in the UK military] who report being...more
June 1, 2026, 5:29 p.m.
Countries: Barbados
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, no documented evidence was found of practices within the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) that encourage or discourage rape/assault, discourage victims from reporting, cover up such incidents, or encourage victims to report intra-military sexual assault. Although women serve in the BDF, no Barbados-specific reports, investigations, or personal testimonies were found showing actual reporting or cover-up practices involving sexual assault between service members. US State Department Human Rights Reports (2020–2024) document national-level practices around rape underreporting and absence of victim support programs in Barbados, but these refer to the civilian population and cannot be directly attributed to the BDF as an institution. The only available...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, no documented evidence was found of practices within the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) that encourage or discourage rape/assault, discourage victims from reporting, cover up such incidents, or encourage victims to report intra-military sexual assault. Although women serve in the BDF, no Barbados-specific reports, investigations, or personal testimonies were found showing actual reporting or cover-up practices involving sexual assault between service members. US State Department Human Rights Reports (2020–2024) document national-level practices around rape underreporting and absence of victim support programs in Barbados, but these refer to the civilian population and cannot be directly attributed to the BDF as an institution. The only available...more
May 25, 2026, 6:42 p.m.
Countries: Bangladesh
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
" BIPSOT [Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training, a military-owned institution], a premium institute of Bangladesh to train the peacekeepers, offers Women, Peace and Security (WPSC) Course as part of pre-deployment training which is a five days long residential course. Additionally, it also offers Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) Course to the potential peacekeepers (Courses at BIPSOT – BIPSOT, 2019)" (Journal of Gender and Power, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2021, pp. 96-97). This information shows that certain military-owned institutions offer courses on gender issues, which can act as a discouraging element when it comes to military rape/assault, and an encouraging factor for reporting such acts (MR-CODER COMMENT).more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
" BIPSOT [Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training, a military-owned institution], a premium institute of Bangladesh to train the peacekeepers, offers Women, Peace and Security (WPSC) Course as part of pre-deployment training which is a five days long residential course. Additionally, it also offers Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) Course to the potential peacekeepers (Courses at BIPSOT – BIPSOT, 2019)" (Journal of Gender and Power, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2021, pp. 96-97). This information shows that certain military-owned institutions offer courses on gender issues, which can act as a discouraging element when it comes to military rape/assault, and an encouraging factor for reporting such acts (MR-CODER COMMENT).more
May 21, 2026, 4:22 p.m.
Countries: Bahrain
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, there has not been any documented evidence on practices within Bahrain’s military that encourage or discourage rape/assault, discourage victims from reporting, cover up such incidents, or encourage victims to report. Although women serve in the Bahrain Defence Force, no Bahrain-specific reports, investigations, or personal testimonies were found showing actual reporting practices or cover-up patterns involving intra-military rape/assault. U.S. military sources from NSA Bahrain discuss sexual-assault reporting resources, but these apply to U.S. personnel stationed in Bahrain, not Bahraini female service members (MR-CODER COMMENT).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
For the required timeframe, 2020 to present, there has not been any documented evidence on practices within Bahrain’s military that encourage or discourage rape/assault, discourage victims from reporting, cover up such incidents, or encourage victims to report. Although women serve in the Bahrain Defence Force, no Bahrain-specific reports, investigations, or personal testimonies were found showing actual reporting practices or cover-up patterns involving intra-military rape/assault. U.S. military sources from NSA Bahrain discuss sexual-assault reporting resources, but these apply to U.S. personnel stationed in Bahrain, not Bahraini female service members (MR-CODER COMMENT).
April 28, 2026, 9:52 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Last week, three submarine captains – all once lauded with OBEs and entrusted with the UK's nuclear deterrent – were quietly stripped of their honours following findings of gross misconduct. Reports suggest the allegations range from grotesque sexual harassment aboard a ballistic missile submarine to filming explicit videos onboard and presiding over regimes of calculated bullying" (Para 3-4). "'They'll never want my story to come out,' she had warned. 'It's an old boys' club… they're untouchable.' And I came quickly to understand exactly what she meant, given the extraordinary lengths to which those within the Royal Navy went in order to throw me off naming the culprits" (Para 20-21). "Ms...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Last week, three submarine captains – all once lauded with OBEs and entrusted with the UK's nuclear deterrent – were quietly stripped of their honours following findings of gross misconduct. Reports suggest the allegations range from grotesque sexual harassment aboard a ballistic missile submarine to filming explicit videos onboard and presiding over regimes of calculated bullying" (Para 3-4). "'They'll never want my story to come out,' she had warned. 'It's an old boys' club… they're untouchable.' And I came quickly to understand exactly what she meant, given the extraordinary lengths to which those within the Royal Navy went in order to throw me off naming the culprits" (Para 20-21). "Ms...more
Feb. 4, 2026, 9:04 a.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The UFEM (Specialized Unit for Violence Against Women) intervened in 52% of the cases, and its actions contributed to six of them being brought to trial, three of which have already resulted in a sentence. The cases analyzed exhibit lengthy processing times relative to the complexity of the investigations. The average time to the first instance ruling was 5.3 years" (4). The presence of the Argentine Specialized Unit for Violence Against Women appears to indicate a desire from the Argentine government to discourage rape/assault and to encourage victims to report. However, this quote also acknowledges the structural difficulties (such as processing times) that present barriers to reporting (NAC - CODER...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The UFEM (Specialized Unit for Violence Against Women) intervened in 52% of the cases, and its actions contributed to six of them being brought to trial, three of which have already resulted in a sentence. The cases analyzed exhibit lengthy processing times relative to the complexity of the investigations. The average time to the first instance ruling was 5.3 years" (4). The presence of the Argentine Specialized Unit for Violence Against Women appears to indicate a desire from the Argentine government to discourage rape/assault and to encourage victims to report. However, this quote also acknowledges the structural difficulties (such as processing times) that present barriers to reporting (NAC - CODER...more
Feb. 4, 2026, 8:55 a.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"A report prepared by the Specialized Prosecutor's Unit for Violence against Women (UFEM) on sexual violence within the Federal Security Forces and the Armed Forces against women members of these institutions reveals that 96% of the aggressors held positions of authority and/or higher than that of the victims, that on average they were 16 years older than the victims, and that 88% of the complainants had work-related consequences after the incident, such as temporary leaves, relocations, and even dismissals" (1). This quote indicates the presence of certain factors which encourage rape/assault, such as the presence of strict rank hierarchies which are used to facilitate/legitimize assault (NAC - CODER COMMENT).more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"A report prepared by the Specialized Prosecutor's Unit for Violence against Women (UFEM) on sexual violence within the Federal Security Forces and the Armed Forces against women members of these institutions reveals that 96% of the aggressors held positions of authority and/or higher than that of the victims, that on average they were 16 years older than the victims, and that 88% of the complainants had work-related consequences after the incident, such as temporary leaves, relocations, and even dismissals" (1). This quote indicates the presence of certain factors which encourage rape/assault, such as the presence of strict rank hierarchies which are used to facilitate/legitimize assault (NAC - CODER COMMENT).more
Feb. 4, 2026, 8:38 a.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Situations were identified in which institutions did not offer support and even exposed victims, aggravating their vulnerability and generating new forms of violence in the workplace. Of the 24 victims surveyed, 21 experienced some type of change in their working conditions after the incident, either following an internal complaint or criminal charges. Regarding the type of changes, 62% were temporarily suspended (from their job duties), 48% were relocated to another area or office, and 19% were dismissed, terminated, or forced to resign" (16). This data includes cases from the Argentine armed forces, gendarmerie, and federal security. Disaggregated data specifically tracking adverse actions taken against members of the armed forces was...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Situations were identified in which institutions did not offer support and even exposed victims, aggravating their vulnerability and generating new forms of violence in the workplace. Of the 24 victims surveyed, 21 experienced some type of change in their working conditions after the incident, either following an internal complaint or criminal charges. Regarding the type of changes, 62% were temporarily suspended (from their job duties), 48% were relocated to another area or office, and 19% were dismissed, terminated, or forced to resign" (16). This data includes cases from the Argentine armed forces, gendarmerie, and federal security. Disaggregated data specifically tracking adverse actions taken against members of the armed forces was...more
Feb. 4, 2026, 8:31 a.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Situations of sexual violence in these cases often occur under threats of warnings, sanctions, arrests, defamation, transfers, reassignment to lower-level positions, among others, generating job uncertainty, discomfort, fear, and even harmful consequences for the health of people who experience these types of episodes" (1).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Situations of sexual violence in these cases often occur under threats of warnings, sanctions, arrests, defamation, transfers, reassignment to lower-level positions, among others, generating job uncertainty, discomfort, fear, and even harmful consequences for the health of people who experience these types of episodes" (1).
Feb. 4, 2026, 8:20 a.m.
Countries: Argentina
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The document (a report from the Argentine Specialized Prosecutor's Unit for Violence against Women (UFEM)) which PERFIL (an Argentine news outlet) obtained, indicates that the aggressors “ attempted to normalize harassment as common practice within the institution.” It also states that “threats were made against the victims , taking advantage of positions of power.” “The armed forces and federal security forces, historically structured as masculinized spaces , have recently undergone normative and organizational transformations aimed at incorporating a gender perspective and the entry of women into their functional structures,” states the UFEM report. However, it warns that within the forces “gender violence and in particular sexual violence (...) operates as...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The document (a report from the Argentine Specialized Prosecutor's Unit for Violence against Women (UFEM)) which PERFIL (an Argentine news outlet) obtained, indicates that the aggressors “ attempted to normalize harassment as common practice within the institution.” It also states that “threats were made against the victims , taking advantage of positions of power.” “The armed forces and federal security forces, historically structured as masculinized spaces , have recently undergone normative and organizational transformations aimed at incorporating a gender perspective and the entry of women into their functional structures,” states the UFEM report. However, it warns that within the forces “gender violence and in particular sexual violence (...) operates as...more
Feb. 3, 2026, 3:12 p.m.
Countries: Angola
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Other Forms of Gender-based Violence or Harassment: Sexual harassment was common and not illegal. It could be prosecuted, however, under assault and battery and defamation statutes, but prosecutions were rare" (12). While information on practices encouraging/discouraging military assault/rape in Angola is scarce to nonexistent, the above quote indicates that sexual harassment in particular is relatively normalized in Angolan society. While this does not necessarily indicate that the same is true of rape/sexual assault, either in the military or society more broadly, it shines a light on the Angolan government's perspective on this class of crime. (NAC - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Other Forms of Gender-based Violence or Harassment: Sexual harassment was common and not illegal. It could be prosecuted, however, under assault and battery and defamation statutes, but prosecutions were rare" (12). While information on practices encouraging/discouraging military assault/rape in Angola is scarce to nonexistent, the above quote indicates that sexual harassment in particular is relatively normalized in Angolan society. While this does not necessarily indicate that the same is true of rape/sexual assault, either in the military or society more broadly, it shines a light on the Angolan government's perspective on this class of crime. (NAC - CODER COMMENT).
Feb. 2, 2026, 9:48 a.m.
Countries: Algeria
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
Publicly available information on practices encouraging/discouraging sexual assault in Algeria is scarce to nonexistent. The Algerian Ministry of National Defense does not appear to have posted any information publicly about policies/attempts to restrict military sexual violence on their website or other public-facing channels. (NAC - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
Publicly available information on practices encouraging/discouraging sexual assault in Algeria is scarce to nonexistent. The Algerian Ministry of National Defense does not appear to have posted any information publicly about policies/attempts to restrict military sexual violence on their website or other public-facing channels. (NAC - CODER COMMENT).
Feb. 2, 2026, 8:55 a.m.
Countries: Albania
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
Information on military sexual assault in Albania is scarce to nonexistent. The 2020 policy revision (coded under this variable) appears to be the most recent reference to military sexual assault data, policy, or prevalence by Albanian government sources.
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
Information on military sexual assault in Albania is scarce to nonexistent. The 2020 policy revision (coded under this variable) appears to be the most recent reference to military sexual assault data, policy, or prevalence by Albanian government sources.
Feb. 2, 2026, 8:50 a.m.
Countries: Albania
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Data from INSTAT shows that 26% of women aged 18-74 believe a woman should be ashamed to talk to anyone if she is raped, while 21% believe that if a woman is raped, she probably did something careless to put herself in trouble" (1-2). While this quote does not directly address specific factors discouraging military members from reporting rape and sexual assault, it provides insight into the broader societal perspective on such crimes in Albania. It can safely be assumed that the societal attitudes which are highlighted in the quote, and which are likely to discourage reporting in Albania writ large, also apply to female military members who have been...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Data from INSTAT shows that 26% of women aged 18-74 believe a woman should be ashamed to talk to anyone if she is raped, while 21% believe that if a woman is raped, she probably did something careless to put herself in trouble" (1-2). While this quote does not directly address specific factors discouraging military members from reporting rape and sexual assault, it provides insight into the broader societal perspective on such crimes in Albania. It can safely be assumed that the societal attitudes which are highlighted in the quote, and which are likely to discourage reporting in Albania writ large, also apply to female military members who have been...more
Jan. 20, 2026, 2:03 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
“The Taliban acknowledged using hudud punishments (corporal punishments for perceived moral crimes), including for engaging in a sexual relationship outside marriage, which discourages sex trafficking victims from reporting exploitation as they are vulnerable to penalization solely for acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked. Observers noted the Taliban inappropriately penalized victims in cases of sex trafficking” (4). While this quote, which comes from the State Department's 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report for Afghanistan, focuses on the methods by which victims of trafficking are discouraged from reporting, the same incentives against reporting apply to those in the Afghan military who have been raped/assaulted by their superior or another soldier...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
“The Taliban acknowledged using hudud punishments (corporal punishments for perceived moral crimes), including for engaging in a sexual relationship outside marriage, which discourages sex trafficking victims from reporting exploitation as they are vulnerable to penalization solely for acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked. Observers noted the Taliban inappropriately penalized victims in cases of sex trafficking” (4). While this quote, which comes from the State Department's 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report for Afghanistan, focuses on the methods by which victims of trafficking are discouraged from reporting, the same incentives against reporting apply to those in the Afghan military who have been raped/assaulted by their superior or another soldier...more
Jan. 19, 2026, 2:56 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The law criminalizes forced gynecological exams, which acted as “virginity tests,” except when conducted pursuant to a court order or with the consent of the subject. Awareness and enforcement of the restrictions on forced gynecological exams remained limited. There were reports police, prosecutors, and judges continued to order the exams in cases of “moral crimes” such as zina. Pre-August 15 government doctors, frequently men, conducted these exams, often without consent. Women who sought assistance in cases of rape were often subjected to the exams" (29). The practice of virginity tests is a thinly-veiled technique to discourage women from reporting instances of rape and sexual assault. Though this quote does not...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"The law criminalizes forced gynecological exams, which acted as “virginity tests,” except when conducted pursuant to a court order or with the consent of the subject. Awareness and enforcement of the restrictions on forced gynecological exams remained limited. There were reports police, prosecutors, and judges continued to order the exams in cases of “moral crimes” such as zina. Pre-August 15 government doctors, frequently men, conducted these exams, often without consent. Women who sought assistance in cases of rape were often subjected to the exams" (29). The practice of virginity tests is a thinly-veiled technique to discourage women from reporting instances of rape and sexual assault. Though this quote does not...more
Jan. 19, 2026, 2:51 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
“Widespread disregard for the rule of law and official impunity for those responsible for human rights abuses were common. The pre-August 15 government did not consistently or effectively investigate or prosecute abuses by officials, including security forces" (3). The term "pre-August 15 government" refers to the government of Afghanistan which held power prior to the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The existence of a widespread lack of prosecution of abuses by officials can be assumed to have extended to military officials, creating an incentive to commit abuses including rape and assault due to a lack of prosecution (NAC - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
“Widespread disregard for the rule of law and official impunity for those responsible for human rights abuses were common. The pre-August 15 government did not consistently or effectively investigate or prosecute abuses by officials, including security forces" (3). The term "pre-August 15 government" refers to the government of Afghanistan which held power prior to the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The existence of a widespread lack of prosecution of abuses by officials can be assumed to have extended to military officials, creating an incentive to commit abuses including rape and assault due to a lack of prosecution (NAC - CODER COMMENT).
Jan. 9, 2026, 1:10 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Other women have also spoken out about a 'deeply rooted cultural issue' in the armed forces, including unwanted comments about their appearance, harassment, leering and groping" (1)."Gunner Beck had made a complaint of sexual assault against [Sergeant Major Michael] Webber the day after the incident, but it was not investigated by military or civilian police and he was instead given a 'minor disciplinary'" (4)."The teenager [Gunner Beck} felt unable to report anything further as she had been 'silenced and dismissed' and did not want to be branded a 'female troublemaker', her mother said" (4)."According to the report, 42 per cent of women felt their Service actively tries to prevent harassment,...more
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Other women have also spoken out about a 'deeply rooted cultural issue' in the armed forces, including unwanted comments about their appearance, harassment, leering and groping" (1)."Gunner Beck had made a complaint of sexual assault against [Sergeant Major Michael] Webber the day after the incident, but it was not investigated by military or civilian police and he was instead given a 'minor disciplinary'" (4)."The teenager [Gunner Beck} felt unable to report anything further as she had been 'silenced and dismissed' and did not want to be branded a 'female troublemaker', her mother said" (4)."According to the report, 42 per cent of women felt their Service actively tries to prevent harassment,...more
Dec. 10, 2025, 8:44 a.m.
Countries: Albania
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Within the [Albanian Armed Forces], appointed personnel overseeing allegations of sexual offenses include direct superiors, leaders in all structures, personnel specialists, and the military police" (8). While the practice of including direct superiors in the sexual assault allegation oversight process does not necessarily discourage reporting, a number of militaries have shifted away from this model and towards the creation of independent bodies to investigate allegations to ensure that soldiers who make allegations are entirely protected from any real or perceived retaliatory punishment. An example of such a shift is the development of the Office of Special Trial Counsel by the United States military. (NAC - CODER COMMENT)
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"Within the [Albanian Armed Forces], appointed personnel overseeing allegations of sexual offenses include direct superiors, leaders in all structures, personnel specialists, and the military police" (8). While the practice of including direct superiors in the sexual assault allegation oversight process does not necessarily discourage reporting, a number of militaries have shifted away from this model and towards the creation of independent bodies to investigate allegations to ensure that soldiers who make allegations are entirely protected from any real or perceived retaliatory punishment. An example of such a shift is the development of the Office of Special Trial Counsel by the United States military. (NAC - CODER COMMENT)
Nov. 1, 2025, 8:06 p.m.
Countries: Ukraine
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"But many women say that many impediments remain and that sexism is common within the ranks" (para 7). Sexism and misogyny within the military contributes significantly to sexual assault and rape. Military environments with institutional sexism can create a "permissive environment" where sexual harassment and assualt are tolerated or even normalized (LEN - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: EWCMS-PRACTICE-3
"But many women say that many impediments remain and that sexism is common within the ranks" (para 7). Sexism and misogyny within the military contributes significantly to sexual assault and rape. Military environments with institutional sexism can create a "permissive environment" where sexual harassment and assualt are tolerated or even normalized (LEN - CODER COMMENT).