Latest items for LRW-PRACTICE-1
June 3, 2026, 12:03 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"The military has faced a string of horrific scandals about the treatment of women - of which only make up 11 per cent of those serving. Salute Her - which supports female military personnel - claimed there is an 'epidemic' of rape culture across the armed forces" (para 9). "A parliamentary report in 2021 found that the British military fails to protect its female recruits, with almost two thirds experiencing sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination. It pointed to instances of gang rape, women being bullied for refusing to sleep with their male colleagues and superiors, and competitions taking place among men to 'bag' the women to get a trophy" (para...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"The military has faced a string of horrific scandals about the treatment of women - of which only make up 11 per cent of those serving. Salute Her - which supports female military personnel - claimed there is an 'epidemic' of rape culture across the armed forces" (para 9). "A parliamentary report in 2021 found that the British military fails to protect its female recruits, with almost two thirds experiencing sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination. It pointed to instances of gang rape, women being bullied for refusing to sleep with their male colleagues and superiors, and competitions taking place among men to 'bag' the women to get a trophy" (para...more
June 1, 2026, 8:35 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Recently, the AFJ/BF legal clinic recorded 795 cases of GBV in just two years (2018 and 2019), with a growing number of cases of rape and unwanted pregnancies, especially among young girls aged 13 to 17. These sources further reveal increased violence against girls and women" (para 6).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Recently, the AFJ/BF legal clinic recorded 795 cases of GBV in just two years (2018 and 2019), with a growing number of cases of rape and unwanted pregnancies, especially among young girls aged 13 to 17. These sources further reveal increased violence against girls and women" (para 6).
June 1, 2026, 8:33 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape was widely underreported in part due to societal taboos and the drawn-out judicial process owing to the overburdened justice system" (26).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape was widely underreported in part due to societal taboos and the drawn-out judicial process owing to the overburdened justice system" (26).
June 1, 2026, 8:33 p.m.
Countries: Burkina Faso
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: According to the penal code, rape of any person was punishable by a prison sentence of seven to 20 years, or 10 to 21 years in case of aggravated circumstancessuch as causing mutilation or handicap, and a substantial monetary fine when committed against a person age 13 or older. The penalty was 11 to 30 years in prison and higher monetary fines when the survivor was younger than 13. The government generally enforced the law. On March 20, a man was sentenced to two years in prison for rape of a child in Bobo-Dioulasso, according to media reports. According to the UN Human Rights Office, on...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: According to the penal code, rape of any person was punishable by a prison sentence of seven to 20 years, or 10 to 21 years in case of aggravated circumstancessuch as causing mutilation or handicap, and a substantial monetary fine when committed against a person age 13 or older. The penalty was 11 to 30 years in prison and higher monetary fines when the survivor was younger than 13. The government generally enforced the law. On March 20, a man was sentenced to two years in prison for rape of a child in Bobo-Dioulasso, according to media reports. According to the UN Human Rights Office, on...more
June 1, 2026, 8:31 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape of women, and authorities generally enforced the law when violations came to their attention. Sentences for rape convictions ranged up to 20 years in prison. There was no specific criminal law against spousal rape and domestic or intimate partner rape, so-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, or the rape of men; authorities could prosecute spousal rape under the general rape statute, but rarely did so" (27).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape of women, and authorities generally enforced the law when violations came to their attention. Sentences for rape convictions ranged up to 20 years in prison. There was no specific criminal law against spousal rape and domestic or intimate partner rape, so-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, or the rape of men; authorities could prosecute spousal rape under the general rape statute, but rarely did so" (27).
June 1, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Countries: Brunei
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"As members of Bruneian society and as sociology students, we are observers of these customs and the social norms to “keep quiet” about sexual harassment. The normalcy discourse is prevalent: it is normal for us to sweep it under the carpet even though we know it is hurting us; it is normal to dismiss catcalling or inappropriate jokes as normal behaviour even though it makes women feel very uncomfortable; and it is also normal for people to not realise that they have been victims of sexual harassment and abuse because of a lack of sex education. Because of this normalcy discourse many cases of harassment in Brunei have gone unreported....more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"As members of Bruneian society and as sociology students, we are observers of these customs and the social norms to “keep quiet” about sexual harassment. The normalcy discourse is prevalent: it is normal for us to sweep it under the carpet even though we know it is hurting us; it is normal to dismiss catcalling or inappropriate jokes as normal behaviour even though it makes women feel very uncomfortable; and it is also normal for people to not realise that they have been victims of sexual harassment and abuse because of a lack of sex education. Because of this normalcy discourse many cases of harassment in Brunei have gone unreported....more
June 1, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Countries: Brunei
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: Secular law stipulated imprisonment from eight to 30 years plus caning with a minimum of 12 strokes as punishment for rape. The SPC provided stoning to death as the maximum punishment for rape. The punishment of stoning was not imposed. The law did not criminalize rape against men or spousal rape and explicitly stated that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife was not rape if she was not younger than 14 (or 15 if ethnic Chinese). There was no specific domestic violence law, but authorities arrested individuals in domestic violence cases under the law on protection of women and girls. The criminal penalty under...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: Secular law stipulated imprisonment from eight to 30 years plus caning with a minimum of 12 strokes as punishment for rape. The SPC provided stoning to death as the maximum punishment for rape. The punishment of stoning was not imposed. The law did not criminalize rape against men or spousal rape and explicitly stated that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife was not rape if she was not younger than 14 (or 15 if ethnic Chinese). There was no specific domestic violence law, but authorities arrested individuals in domestic violence cases under the law on protection of women and girls. The criminal penalty under...more
June 1, 2026, 8:29 p.m.
Countries: Brunei
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Brunei Darussalam’s broad application of the death penalty to crimes such as rape and sex between unmarried individuals may obstruct women’s access to justice for gender-based violence by dissuading survivors from reporting such crimes. Studies indicate that most survivors of sexual violence are assaulted by people they know. As such, there is concern that survivors of sexual violence may be reluctant to report such crime, particularly if they know that doing so could result in a court sentencing someone they know to death" (6).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Brunei Darussalam’s broad application of the death penalty to crimes such as rape and sex between unmarried individuals may obstruct women’s access to justice for gender-based violence by dissuading survivors from reporting such crimes. Studies indicate that most survivors of sexual violence are assaulted by people they know. As such, there is concern that survivors of sexual violence may be reluctant to report such crime, particularly if they know that doing so could result in a court sentencing someone they know to death" (6).
June 1, 2026, 8:27 p.m.
Countries: Brazil
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The national law criminalized rape, including spousal rape and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence. The law did not criminalize so-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The law criminalized physical, psychological, and sexual violence against women, as well as defamation and damage to property or finances by someone with whom the survivor had a marriage, family, or intimate relationship. The law defined femicide as homicide of a woman due to her gender, including but not limited to homicide that escalated from other forms of domestic violence, discrimination, or contempt for women. The...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The national law criminalized rape, including spousal rape and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence. The law did not criminalize so-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The law criminalized physical, psychological, and sexual violence against women, as well as defamation and damage to property or finances by someone with whom the survivor had a marriage, family, or intimate relationship. The law defined femicide as homicide of a woman due to her gender, including but not limited to homicide that escalated from other forms of domestic violence, discrimination, or contempt for women. The...more
June 1, 2026, 8:27 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In Botswana, about 70 per cent of women have, at one time in their lives, experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse, more than double the global average, the United Nations Population Fund statistics show. Police data reveal that there have been some 2,789 reported rape cases from January this year, up from 2,265 cases last year. There has been a systemic rise in sexual assault and gender-based violence since COVID-19 struck in what is attributed to women being confined at home with their abusers as government institute lockdown measures to tame the spread of the virus. It has been particularly difficult for victims who are hesitant to report...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In Botswana, about 70 per cent of women have, at one time in their lives, experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse, more than double the global average, the United Nations Population Fund statistics show. Police data reveal that there have been some 2,789 reported rape cases from January this year, up from 2,265 cases last year. There has been a systemic rise in sexual assault and gender-based violence since COVID-19 struck in what is attributed to women being confined at home with their abusers as government institute lockdown measures to tame the spread of the virus. It has been particularly difficult for victims who are hesitant to report...more
June 1, 2026, 8:25 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Despite being traditionally known as a beacon of hope in the region, Botswana has not been immune to the global scourge of GBV. Statistics indicate that almost 70% of women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This is often at the hands of family members or romantic partners. The prevalence of GBV in the country is usually attributed to entrenched patriarchal norms, economic inequalities, and a culture that often sees women as inferior. Despite efforts by various stakeholders including CSOs and international organizations, Botswana's response to GBV has always fallen short of what is necessary to protect and empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Despite being traditionally known as a beacon of hope in the region, Botswana has not been immune to the global scourge of GBV. Statistics indicate that almost 70% of women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This is often at the hands of family members or romantic partners. The prevalence of GBV in the country is usually attributed to entrenched patriarchal norms, economic inequalities, and a culture that often sees women as inferior. Despite efforts by various stakeholders including CSOs and international organizations, Botswana's response to GBV has always fallen short of what is necessary to protect and empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and...more
June 1, 2026, 8:24 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Sexual assault in Botswana continues to rise, with an increasing number of men being arrested, including cases involving minors. During the recent Easter holidays, 26 rape cases were reported, an increase of eight from the same period in 2025. In comparison, 37 cases were recorded during Easter in 2024. Defilement cases are also on the rise. Over the past weekend alone, 13 cases were reported, compared to 7 in 2025 and 10 in 2024. These figures highlight a troubling trend in the country, raising urgent questions about prevention, awareness, and the protection of vulnerable populations" (para 2-5).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Sexual assault in Botswana continues to rise, with an increasing number of men being arrested, including cases involving minors. During the recent Easter holidays, 26 rape cases were reported, an increase of eight from the same period in 2025. In comparison, 37 cases were recorded during Easter in 2024. Defilement cases are also on the rise. Over the past weekend alone, 13 cases were reported, compared to 7 in 2025 and 10 in 2024. These figures highlight a troubling trend in the country, raising urgent questions about prevention, awareness, and the protection of vulnerable populations" (para 2-5).
June 1, 2026, 7:01 p.m.
Countries: Bahrain
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"I have been at Isa Town [female detention center in Bahrain] since May 2017. I vividly remember the day I was taken: I was driving to work and was pulled out of my car by masked, armed men, who threatened to kill me and rape members of my family. During my detention, I was harshly beaten and told I would be raped if I didn’t confess. The injuries I sustained on my head have left their mark; a painful reminder of my powerlessness at the time. When we protested for the discrimination against us for our status as political prisoners, we were confined to our cells for up to 23...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"I have been at Isa Town [female detention center in Bahrain] since May 2017. I vividly remember the day I was taken: I was driving to work and was pulled out of my car by masked, armed men, who threatened to kill me and rape members of my family. During my detention, I was harshly beaten and told I would be raped if I didn’t confess. The injuries I sustained on my head have left their mark; a painful reminder of my powerlessness at the time. When we protested for the discrimination against us for our status as political prisoners, we were confined to our cells for up to 23...more
June 1, 2026, 6:41 p.m.
Countries: Bahrain
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Police beat children arrested in protest-related cases in early February 2021, in the lead up to the 10th anniversary of the uprising in Bahrain, and threatened them with rape and electric shocks. Prosecutors and judges, who refused to allow the children’s parents or lawyers to be present during their interrogations and ordered their detention, enabled the abuses. A government report denied that security forces beat, insulted, or threatened to rape the boys" (para 22).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Police beat children arrested in protest-related cases in early February 2021, in the lead up to the 10th anniversary of the uprising in Bahrain, and threatened them with rape and electric shocks. Prosecutors and judges, who refused to allow the children’s parents or lawyers to be present during their interrogations and ordered their detention, enabled the abuses. A government report denied that security forces beat, insulted, or threatened to rape the boys" (para 22).
May 30, 2026, 3:26 p.m.
Countries: Congo
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"These days Simon [Congolese teenage girl and a rape victim] barely leaves the house, terrified by the mere sight of men in uniform, her uncle said. She has been ostracized by her community, he said, as have Simon’s mother and younger sister [also rape victims]. The extended family have all relocated to a different city, he said" (para 73).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"These days Simon [Congolese teenage girl and a rape victim] barely leaves the house, terrified by the mere sight of men in uniform, her uncle said. She has been ostracized by her community, he said, as have Simon’s mother and younger sister [also rape victims]. The extended family have all relocated to a different city, he said" (para 73).
May 28, 2026, 10:42 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Women are facing discrimination on a high basis at all levels. Although specific laws were introduced to ensure, for example, a better protection against rape, domestic violence and partners’ violence, their implementation needs significant improvements. Rights of minorities are undermined to a large extent, resulting in experiences of disrespectful and discriminatory actions" (para 7).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Women are facing discrimination on a high basis at all levels. Although specific laws were introduced to ensure, for example, a better protection against rape, domestic violence and partners’ violence, their implementation needs significant improvements. Rights of minorities are undermined to a large extent, resulting in experiences of disrespectful and discriminatory actions" (para 7).
May 28, 2026, 10:41 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, and domestic and intimate partner violence. The maximum penalty for conviction of rape, including spousal rape, was 15 years in prison. The failure of police to treat spousal rape as a serious offense inhibited the effective enforcement of the law. Women survivors of rape did not have regular access to free social support or assistance as mandated by the law, and continued to encounter prejudice, stigma, and discrimination in their communities and from representatives of public institutions. While laws in both entities empowered authorities to remove the perpetrator of domestic violence from the home, officials rarely...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, and domestic and intimate partner violence. The maximum penalty for conviction of rape, including spousal rape, was 15 years in prison. The failure of police to treat spousal rape as a serious offense inhibited the effective enforcement of the law. Women survivors of rape did not have regular access to free social support or assistance as mandated by the law, and continued to encounter prejudice, stigma, and discrimination in their communities and from representatives of public institutions. While laws in both entities empowered authorities to remove the perpetrator of domestic violence from the home, officials rarely...more
May 28, 2026, 10:40 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"The UN women’s rights committee has found that survivors of sexual violence in armed conflict have been long neglected in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and has called on the government to take immediate action to provide adequate social and economic support. In the views adopted in its latest session regarding an individual complaint, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) concluded that conflict-related sexual violence investigations in the country had been ineffective and too slow, and there was insufficient compensation and support for victims in BiH" (para 1-2).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"The UN women’s rights committee has found that survivors of sexual violence in armed conflict have been long neglected in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and has called on the government to take immediate action to provide adequate social and economic support. In the views adopted in its latest session regarding an individual complaint, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) concluded that conflict-related sexual violence investigations in the country had been ineffective and too slow, and there was insufficient compensation and support for victims in BiH" (para 1-2).
May 28, 2026, 10:39 p.m.
Countries: Bhutan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape and did not refer to gender in its definition of rape. In cases of rape involving minors, sentences for conviction ranged from five to 15 years in prison. In extreme cases, a person convicted of rape could be imprisoned for life. Spousal rape was illegal and prosecuted as a misdemeanor. In 2022 the NCWC published the Standard Operating Procedure for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response, which laid out policies and procedures related to gender-based violence and the roles and responsibilities of the government and civil society in combating it, including referral to shelters and service providers. The CSO RENEW worked with...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape and did not refer to gender in its definition of rape. In cases of rape involving minors, sentences for conviction ranged from five to 15 years in prison. In extreme cases, a person convicted of rape could be imprisoned for life. Spousal rape was illegal and prosecuted as a misdemeanor. In 2022 the NCWC published the Standard Operating Procedure for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response, which laid out policies and procedures related to gender-based violence and the roles and responsibilities of the government and civil society in combating it, including referral to shelters and service providers. The CSO RENEW worked with...more
May 28, 2026, 10:38 p.m.
Countries: Benin, Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, South Sudan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Even where not elaborated in the law, settlements with respect to rape are reportedly common in Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and South Sudan." (para 29)
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Even where not elaborated in the law, settlements with respect to rape are reportedly common in Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and South Sudan." (para 29)
May 28, 2026, 10:36 p.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"In July 2022, a magistrate’s court in Benin, Edo State, convicted a man for the rape of a 15-year-old girl on the counts of unlawful abduction, and rape. The court sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment with an option of 60,000 Nairas [approximately EUR 71] fine for the count of unlawful abduction, and to three years imprisonment without an option of fine for the count of rape" (7).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"In July 2022, a magistrate’s court in Benin, Edo State, convicted a man for the rape of a 15-year-old girl on the counts of unlawful abduction, and rape. The court sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment with an option of 60,000 Nairas [approximately EUR 71] fine for the count of unlawful abduction, and to three years imprisonment without an option of fine for the count of rape" (7).
May 28, 2026, 10:35 p.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized spousal and domestic partner rape without reference to gender. Sentences for rape ranged from five to 20 years’ imprisonment. The law did not specifically reference so called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. Enforcement was weak due to police ineffectiveness, official corruption, and survivors not reporting cases due to fear of social stigma and retaliation. Because of the lack of police training in collecting evidence associated with sexual assaults, ignorance of the law, and inherent difficulties survivors faced in preserving and presenting evidence in court, judges reduced most sexual offense charges to misdemeanors. The primary form of...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized spousal and domestic partner rape without reference to gender. Sentences for rape ranged from five to 20 years’ imprisonment. The law did not specifically reference so called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. Enforcement was weak due to police ineffectiveness, official corruption, and survivors not reporting cases due to fear of social stigma and retaliation. Because of the lack of police training in collecting evidence associated with sexual assaults, ignorance of the law, and inherent difficulties survivors faced in preserving and presenting evidence in court, judges reduced most sexual offense charges to misdemeanors. The primary form of...more
May 28, 2026, 10:34 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalizes rape of men or women, including spousal rape. The government generally enforced the law. The law states that a person convicted of rape should be sentenced to imprisonment for eight years to life, although on occasion sentences were much lighter. Problems facing the wider justice system generally resulted in low conviction rates for rape. Victims frequently requested the charges be dropped, often citing spousal support from the perpetrators as key to providing for their children’s well-being" (13-14).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalizes rape of men or women, including spousal rape. The government generally enforced the law. The law states that a person convicted of rape should be sentenced to imprisonment for eight years to life, although on occasion sentences were much lighter. Problems facing the wider justice system generally resulted in low conviction rates for rape. Victims frequently requested the charges be dropped, often citing spousal support from the perpetrators as key to providing for their children’s well-being" (13-14).
May 28, 2026, 7:32 p.m.
Countries: Bahamas
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape of men and women; however, spousal rape was not a crime. The maximum penalty for an initial rape conviction was seven years in prison. The maximum sentence for subsequent rape convictions was life imprisonment. The Domestic Violence (Protection) Orders Act protected heterosexual partners against domestic and sexual violence. Similar protections were not available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The government generally enforced the law effectively, although activists suspected heterosexual and homosexual rape were underreported. In August, a sitting member of parliament was arraigned on charges of rape, assault, and threats of death. Senior government officials cited widespread...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape and Domestic Violence: The law criminalized rape of men and women; however, spousal rape was not a crime. The maximum penalty for an initial rape conviction was seven years in prison. The maximum sentence for subsequent rape convictions was life imprisonment. The Domestic Violence (Protection) Orders Act protected heterosexual partners against domestic and sexual violence. Similar protections were not available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The government generally enforced the law effectively, although activists suspected heterosexual and homosexual rape were underreported. In August, a sitting member of parliament was arraigned on charges of rape, assault, and threats of death. Senior government officials cited widespread...more
May 28, 2026, 7:31 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-3
"The news of a young girl giving birth in the city of Aghjabedi in Azerbaijan is the most recent harrowing example of a lack of protection mechanisms for underage girls, and persisting negligence by authorities to address the issue of early marriages and underage birth. This time, at the heart of the story that has sent shockwaves across the society, is a 15-year-old girl whose “husband” got away with statutory rape when she was just 13. While the legal marriage age in Azerbaijan is 18 years old, the girl's family and the family of the assailant organized a small “wedding” ceremony for the family and close relatives shortly after learning...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-3
"The news of a young girl giving birth in the city of Aghjabedi in Azerbaijan is the most recent harrowing example of a lack of protection mechanisms for underage girls, and persisting negligence by authorities to address the issue of early marriages and underage birth. This time, at the heart of the story that has sent shockwaves across the society, is a 15-year-old girl whose “husband” got away with statutory rape when she was just 13. While the legal marriage age in Azerbaijan is 18 years old, the girl's family and the family of the assailant organized a small “wedding” ceremony for the family and close relatives shortly after learning...more
May 28, 2026, 7:20 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"The situation in Azerbaijan with regards to the criminalization and prosecution of rape is alarming. Official statistics show that very few cases of rape are reported and convicted. In the past five years, for example, in 2019 only 22 instances were officially... Furthermore, rape victims do not benefit from any provisions to protect their identity or prevent re-traumatisation. In practice, the victim has to present themselves in an open court and there are no legal safeguards to protect them from questions about their sexual history reported ... Similarly, marital rape is also not excluded from the purview of criminalisation. Although with underreporting by the police and general unwilling familial attitudes,...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"The situation in Azerbaijan with regards to the criminalization and prosecution of rape is alarming. Official statistics show that very few cases of rape are reported and convicted. In the past five years, for example, in 2019 only 22 instances were officially... Furthermore, rape victims do not benefit from any provisions to protect their identity or prevent re-traumatisation. In practice, the victim has to present themselves in an open court and there are no legal safeguards to protect them from questions about their sexual history reported ... Similarly, marital rape is also not excluded from the purview of criminalisation. Although with underreporting by the police and general unwilling familial attitudes,...more
May 28, 2026, 7:19 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape and Domestic Violence: Rape of a person, regardless of gender, was illegal, and conviction carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The government enforced the law in some cases but not others such as spousal rape, resulting in inadequate enforcement of the law" (52).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape and Domestic Violence: Rape of a person, regardless of gender, was illegal, and conviction carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The government enforced the law in some cases but not others such as spousal rape, resulting in inadequate enforcement of the law" (52).
May 28, 2026, 7:18 p.m.
Countries: Austria
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Concerns further exist regarding the Protection against Violence Act56 that imposes on medical professionals the obligation to report suspected cases of rape to law enforcement agencies. Amnesty International is concerned that this might constitute an impediment for women to seek medical treatment. In addition, a higher number of criminal complaints might not automatically ensure better protection against violence, especially as the resources of the judiciary remain scarce" (12).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"Concerns further exist regarding the Protection against Violence Act56 that imposes on medical professionals the obligation to report suspected cases of rape to law enforcement agencies. Amnesty International is concerned that this might constitute an impediment for women to seek medical treatment. In addition, a higher number of criminal complaints might not automatically ensure better protection against violence, especially as the resources of the judiciary remain scarce" (12).
May 28, 2026, 7:17 p.m.
Countries: Austria
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In general, Austria is well equipped with institutions that support women, children, and adolescents in the event of e.g. domestic violence, IPV and rape. Austria has 30 shelters offering room 26 for 766 women and children. Vienna provides about 175 spots for women (ORF 2013). Each federal state has its own Violence Protection Center/Intervention Center. Six regional counselling centres for sexual violence are presently installed in Austria to provide counselling and support for e.g. rape victims. However, there is a significant difference between urban and rural regions regarding access to services. On paper, any woman should have access to protection, prevention and support facilities. Nevertheless, some differences can be identified...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-PRACTICE-2
"In general, Austria is well equipped with institutions that support women, children, and adolescents in the event of e.g. domestic violence, IPV and rape. Austria has 30 shelters offering room 26 for 766 women and children. Vienna provides about 175 spots for women (ORF 2013). Each federal state has its own Violence Protection Center/Intervention Center. Six regional counselling centres for sexual violence are presently installed in Austria to provide counselling and support for e.g. rape victims. However, there is a significant difference between urban and rural regions regarding access to services. On paper, any woman should have access to protection, prevention and support facilities. Nevertheless, some differences can be identified...more
May 28, 2026, 7:16 p.m.
Countries: Austria
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, was punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment; domestic violence was punishable under the criminal code provisions for murder, rape, sexual abuse, and bodily injury. The government generally enforced the law, and the law enforcement response to rape and domestic violence was generally effective. In May, two of three Afghan men involved in the 2021 drugging, rape, and murder of a girl, age 13, were convicted of rape and murder; they received sentences of life and 20 years. The third man involved was convicted in December 2022" (12-13).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1
"Rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, was punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment; domestic violence was punishable under the criminal code provisions for murder, rape, sexual abuse, and bodily injury. The government generally enforced the law, and the law enforcement response to rape and domestic violence was generally effective. In May, two of three Afghan men involved in the 2021 drugging, rape, and murder of a girl, age 13, were convicted of rape and murder; they received sentences of life and 20 years. The third man involved was convicted in December 2022" (12-13).