 |
| Michel Martelly by U.S. Department of State |
May 27, 2011: At a forum held on May 6, 2011 to discuss how to bolster Haiti’s anti-rape laws, Haiti’s then president-elect Michel Martelly promised to address what he called the “very serious” problem of rape.
According to the Thomson Reuters Foundation, which organized the discussion, the gathering marked the first time that grassroots women's groups sat together with senior officials from the ministries of women, health, and justice, as well as the chief prosecutor's office and the police.
Through its TrustLaw initiative, the foundation is drawing on international expertise to advise Haiti on ways to stem the alarming number of sexual assaults against women and girls living in post-earthquake tent camps. Tightly cramped living conditions put females at risk. In one case, a child was lured into a tent to watch television only to be raped by the tent’s occupant.
More than 600 rape cases were reported in 2010, but actual numbers are likely much higher. Victims are often too ashamed or afraid to file a complaint. A general lack of sensitivity toward female victims of sexual assault and the absence of a legal system to support their claims are part of the problem President Martelly hopes to tackle.
Reducing Violence Against Women and Children
Mr. Martelly, who assumed Haiti’s presidency on May 14, promised part of his mission would be to ensure that “the rule of law reigns in Haiti [and] that justice is for everybody.” Women’s groups have accused male police of not taking rape cases seriously. One change Mr. Martelly supports is the presence of a female agent at every police station so women can feel more comfortable about reporting cases of rape.
Forum participants agreed on the need to create information campaigns to inform women and girls of their legal rights and to more effectively disseminate a currently existing rape hotline. All recognized that a large barrier to justice is linguistic, because French rather than the more common Creole is the language of the courts. Delegates also concurred that doctors and judges need to get on board to put in place a fairer and more effective medical certificate system for rape victims.
 |
| A little girl at SOS Children's Villages in Santo, Haiti. |
SOS Children’s Villages in Haiti to Nurture Girls
Protecting vulnerable girls is a priority in Haiti and 132 other countries in which SOS Children’s Villages operates. The girls and teens who are raised in SOS Villages are given the same love, attention, and education as the boys, enabling them to have an even shot at a productive life.
Together, we can provide opportunities for children and youth in Haiti and across the globe. Sponsor a child today!
