10 Anecdotal evidence indicates a far greater prevalence of rape and sexual abuse than the above statistics suggest and that such violations are widespread. This form of evidence often emanates from incidents, which reportedly took place in bases established by the ZANU (PF) militia on invaded farms and in the Border Gezi Training Camps for ZANU (PF) youth in the 2000 – 2002 period21. Some of this evidence also includes allegations of enforced concubinage. The figures above reflect a much lower incidence of rape than might be expected under the violent conditions prevailing during the period under examination. However, it appears that most married women do not report sexual assault fearing ostracisation by their husbands, family and community or that they will be blamed for bringing the attack upon themselves - particularly where the women are political activists. An additional stigma and motivation for silence arises from prejudice towards those considered to be HIV positive. The net result is most women’s reluctance to report incidents of sexual violence or to be tested for HIV after an assault. Sexual violence is thus greatly under reported. Despite the underreporting of sexual violence, evidence of politically motivated rape is unequivocal. Some of this evidence is harrowing, as indicated in filmed-interviews with rape survivors22. The majority of women that reported rape were also victims of severe torture in the form of beatings, electrical shock, and psychological torture. Furthermore these women were also usually the victims of multiple instances of torture with the first instance usually having taken place in the closely contested 2002 Presidential election. 2002 had the highest incidence of rape in the past 6 years under review. In addition to this form of direct politically motivated sexual violence, Operation Murambatsvina, discussed below, has also greatly increased the vulnerability of women and girls to sexual abuse and exploitation. Other violations Assaults were the most commonly mentioned violation with an incidence of 58% in the Human Rights Forum data. This violation is followed by property destruction and political intimidation in terms of frequency. Violence of one kind or another – assault, torture, rape, murder and sexual abuse – comprised 47% of the total number of violations reported. 21 22 See for example Women fall Victim to ZANU-PF Militia at http://www.genocidewatch.org/Zimbabwejuly2002.htm accessed 26/11/06 A short film “In Dark Times” features interviews with several rape survivors. “A Woman’s Place is in the Home ?” – Gender Based Violence and Opposition Politics in Zimbabwe.