What is war rape?

In a report published on 3rd April, international NGO Human Rights Watch made allegations of "war crimes" carried out by Russian soldiers against civilians in occupied areas of Ukraine. These included executions, violence, threats and war rape, which is the subject of today’s episode. Since the start of the war, accounts have begun to emerge, with the truth being brought to light by victims and witnesses. A woman from a village near to Kharkiv told how she had been beaten, cut with a knife and repeatedly raped by a Russian soldier.

Why does war lead to more rapes? How far back do the first records of war rape go? How is war rape punished? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

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