disaster
Haiti opens first state-supported safe houses for women and girls, as gangs continue to weaponize sexual violence
By UN Women at ReliefWeb
· June 12, 2026
· 3 min read
. This includes 1,668 women, 187 girls, two men and six boys and represents a 163 per cent increase compared with 2024. During the first three months of this year, sexual violence accounted for more than 70 per cent of reported gender-based violence cases. There are also reports of digital technolog
Key takeaway During the first three months of this year, sexual violence accounted for more than 70 per cent of reported gender-based violence cases.
Why this matters
The establishment of state-supported safe houses for women and girls in Haiti marks a crucial step in addressing the escalating crisis of gang violence and sexual exploitation. With a 163 percent increase in reported cases of sexual violence, the need for dedicated services and support for survivors is dire. The fact that most displacement sites lack basic security measures, such as adequate lighting and separate facilities, exacerbates the vulnerability of women and girls. The limited availability of psychosocial and legal support services further compounds the issue, leaving survivors to cope with the trauma of their experiences without adequate resources. As the situation continues to deteriorate, with over 80 percent of women in displacement sites unemployed and shouldering household responsibilities, the safe houses may provide a vital lifeline for those affected. The success of these safe houses will depend on the ability of the government and aid organizations to provide comprehensive support and protection to survivors, and to address the root causes of the violence and exploitation.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: June 12, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . This includes 1,668 women, 187 girls, two men and six boys and represents a 163 per cent increase compared with 2024. During the first three months of this year, sexual violence accounted for more than 70 per cent of reported gender-based violence cases. There are also reports of digital technolog
When was this published? This article was first published on June 12, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by UN Women at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .