The surge follows an increase in targeted attacks by armed groups across several continents. The findings indicate that these acts are no longer incidental to combat. Instead, perpetrators are using sexual violence as a deliberate weapon of war to achieve military and political goals. This escalation affects women and girls in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean. The violence is used to force population movements and break community resistance. Survivors face extreme physical trauma and forced displacement. The increase in documented cases also highlights the growing use of sexual slavery and abduction by non-state armed groups and criminal networks.
Case numbers double in 2025
Confirmed cases of conflict-related sexual violence more than doubled in 2025[1] compared to the previous year, according to a United Nations report. The monitoring mechanism recorded nearly 10,000 cases[1] worldwide during the year. This surge represents a sharp increase from 2024 figures.
These verified numbers likely represent only a fraction of the actual violence. Humanitarian access restrictions and funding shortfalls made it harder to document abuses[2] throughout 2025. Underreporting remains a significant challenge in active war zones.
The increase was not confined to a single region. The violence occurred across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean[1]. Pramila Patten, the UN Special Representative, noted that the cases rose sharply[3] and were marked by extreme brutality. These incidents overwhelmingly targeted women and girls.
Non-state armed groups and organised criminal networks[2] also used violence to control territory and communities. This rise in documented cases follows a period of intense global instability.
Rape used as strategic weapon
Armed groups are using sexual violence as a deliberate tactic of war, according to UN findings. The violence is not merely incidental to fighting. Instead, perpetrators deploy these acts to achieve specific military and political goals.
Forces used rape, sexual slavery, and abduction[1] as weapons across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean, the report said. These methods target populations to force movement or break resistance.
Pramila Patten said cases rose sharply[3] and were marked by extreme brutality. She noted the violence overwhelmingly targeted women and girls.
Non-state armed groups and organised criminal networks[2] use these tactics to exert control. They use violence to dominate communities and seize resource-rich territory.
This strategic use of violence undermines peace efforts and human rights, UN officials said. The lack of accountability for perpetrators remains a central issue in many conflict zones.
Perpetrators often act with impunity in these regions. This absence of legal consequences allows the cycle of violence to continue unchecked.
Impact on survivors and response
Survivors of conflict-related violence face immediate physical trauma, social stigma, and forced displacement. These consequences often follow the use of sexual violence as a strategic tool in active war zones. The violence frequently targets women and girls with extreme brutality, according to Pramila Patten.
Access to essential services remains severely restricted for those in combat areas. Medical care, psychological support, and legal aid are often unavailable to victims. Humanitarian access restrictions[2] and a lack of funding have made it harder to assist survivors in 2025.
Civilians in active war zones face heightened risks and reduced protection mechanisms. The lack of safety increases the likelihood of further violence against non-combatants. This instability directly affects the security of families and communities living near front lines.
The UN report calls for stronger international pressure on parties to conflict. The United Nations seeks more accountability to stop these abuses. This demand follows findings that non-state armed groups use violence to control territories and resources.
Observers can monitor the situation by following UN sanctions lists[1] for updates on international enforcement. Supporting organisations that provide direct aid to survivors in conflict regions remains a primary way to address the humanitarian gap.
The United Nations seeks increased accountability to stop these abuses and calls for stronger international pressure on all parties to conflict. Humanitarian access restrictions and funding shortfalls continue to hinder the documentation of these crimes. Observers can monitor international enforcement by following UN sanctions lists.
