Sexual violence is a violation of human rights and a serious public health problem. It has a profound impact on physical and mental health, both immediately and many years after the assault. To date, sexual violence has received insufficient attention from researchers, policy-makers and programme designers and it has been a long struggle to have it recognised as a legitimate public health issue.

The SVRI is an important contribution to eliminating sexual violence by simultaneously addressing the lack of research on the different aspects of sexual violence as well as drawing attention of a wide range of people including policy makers and the media, to this important public health issue. 

We are building an experienced and committed network of researchers, policy makers, activists and donors who would ensure that the many dimension of sexual violence are addressed from the perspective different disciplines and with a multi-cultural outlook.  Please join our list-serv or contribute to our online discussion.

Workshop Report on Medico-Legal Responses to Sexual Violence, Strengthening The Medico-Legal Response To Sexual Violence Through Multi Disciplinary Collaboration Among Organizations And Partners In Eastern, Central And Southern Africa. Nairobi, Kenya. LVCT, SVRI, 2-6 June 2008 (pdf format, 2083 kb)

Strengthening the Medico-Legal Response to Sexual Violence through Multi Disciplinary Collaboration among Organizations and Partners in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa - Overview of a Regional Meeting, presentation by Carol Ajema, Liz Dartnall. 1st SV CONFERENCE, 29th Sept-1st Oct. 2008, Nairobi. (pdf format, 227 kb)

Online Discussion: Improving effectiveness of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

The Population Council is hosting an online discussion on the SVRI Online Discussion Forum from November 2008 to May 2009. The purpose of this discussion is to allow development practitioners to share information on best practices on administering PEP and emerging trends and lessons. Through this discussion we would like to explore the following:

1. How do we ensure survivors adhere to PEP?
2. What is the ideal regimen to give to survivors?
3. What are the most appropriate doses for children?
4. What follow-up strategies to enhance adherence to PEP are required?
5. In what ways can communities be involved to help improve PEP adherence?
6. How can advocacy strategies be applied to improve PEP adherence?

If you are not already a member of the SVRI Online Discussion Forum click here to register and join the discussion: http://www.svri.org/forums/

• South Africa: Group calls for more research on sexual violence