In certain instance men are forced to rape their sisters, grandmothers, mothers and daughters. Pregnant women are slaughtered in the most gruesome of ways. In Zambia we are not at war internally or otherwise, but women are subjected to violence perpetrated by men. Some women and girls are raped or sexually abused by friends or relatives and criminal. Gang rape also occurs.
Sexual violence falling short of rape, especially within domestic circles, is targeted at women.
Husbands or boyfriends batters, verbally abuse, psychologically torture and emotionally abuse their spouses or partners. Physical abuse, rape and other forms of sexual abuse, and domestic violence generally, is a vicious expression of power over the victims and women. Women suffer humiliation, pain and are stripped of their humanity. Not only does the rape violate women s sexual virtue but it also carries with it a social stigma, which humiliates the victim. Violence against women is an issue that all men and women must address at all levels of society.