at the time of capture can still marry within the faith, and in which those who are married are more likely to be accepted and supported by their husbands and extended families.” (A/HRC/32/CRP.2, para. 79) Stigma Stigma associated with sexual violence is socially and culturally constructed around dominance and inequality. It leads to the creation, condoning or compounding of social exclusion for those who are (or are perceived to be) victims and survivors of sexual violence. Stigma involves penalizing or placing blame on individuals, groups or communities for bringing shame or “transgressing” the standards of their community or society.42 Another CoI reported on the particular stigma associated with sexual violence against men and boys and how the violations affected their lives and their physical and mental health, and inhibited them in reporting the violations they suffered, including to medical services, which often were not adapted to men and boys. “The victims met by the Commission had rarely had access to medical care in exile, due to lack of information, fear of stigmatization or because the free services provided to refugees were not adapted, especially to male victims of sexual violence. These later often felt ashamed to seek and obtain the medical care that is generally provided to women. A man testified that his trauma resulting from the rape was such that he could not talk about it to the doctor who was treating him for another medical condition.” [non-official translation] (A/HRC/36/CRP.1/Rev.1, para. 498) Example Several CoIs/FFMs reported the difficulties for victims and survivors to come forward, including the stigma associated with sexual violence, as well as the fear of reprisals and of being rejected by their partners, families or communities, which can prevail regardless of the sex of the victim. Expressions of support of the community, including of religious leaders, who have embraced the women and girls who have survived sexual violence, sending a message that they belong to and are accepted in the community, were critical for victims and survivors to start a process of healing and to accept talking and disclosing what they have endured. “Whereas previously they may have been ostracised, this religious-backed embrace of female survivors has provided a space in which those who were unmarried Male victims and survivors of sexual violence are often reluctant to step forward due to the risk of stigmatization and prosecution. Domestic legislation might lack legal protections for male victims of sexual violence due to gendered definitions of rape that exclude male rape. The legislation may criminalize sexual intercourse between men without distinguishing See also Principles for Global Action: Preventing and Addressing Stigma Associated with Conflict-related Sexual Violence (United Kingdom, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, 2017). 42 33