Haiti Clinic Sees Triple Rise in Sexual Abuse Cases Amidst Gang Violence

A clinic in Haiti's capital has seen a threefold increase in sexual abuse cases over the last four years, a situation Doctors Without Borders calls alarming and outrageous. The charity reported that the severity of these cases has also intensified, with more than half of the nearly 17,000 patients treated in the past decade being attacked by multiple armed group members. This surge coincides with widespread gang violence that now controls an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince, terrorizing communities.

Gang-related sexual violence is reportedly used to instill fear, control territory, and subjugate populations. The demographics of victims have also shifted, with an increase in older age groups. Gang violence has displaced a record 1.4 million people, many of whom are housed in makeshift shelters, exacerbating the risk of further abuse. Survivors face significant barriers to reporting and accessing care, often arriving too late for crucial post-exposure prophylaxis or pregnancy prevention.

Doctors Without Borders is urging Haiti's government to allocate more funds for healthcare services for survivors. They advocate for immediate measures like a 24/7 government-operated hotline to provide confidential guidance and connect survivors with essential resources, highlighting the critical need for safe shelters and support systems.