JERUSALEM, Israel – The Association of Rape Crisis Centers of Israel (ARCCI) recently released a comprehensive report detailing the sexual crimes committed during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The report, titled “Silent Cry,” was described by the executive director of the ARRCI, Orit Sulitzeanu, as shedding light on the systematic and intentional sexual violence that occurred during the attack.
According to the report, the Hamas attack included violent acts of rape, often accompanied by threats with weapons, and many of these rapes were conducted collectively, with collaboration among the perpetrators and sometimes in front of witnesses, including family members. The perpetrators engaged in sadistic practices, such as binding and mutilating the victims, and in many cases, the victims were subsequently killed.
The report also detailed the challenges in obtaining evidence and testimonies, especially in times of war, noting the difficulty in the process. It highlighted the limited exposure of sexual assaults on men, pointing out that men often face difficulties in seeking help due to the perceived shame and attack on masculinity.
Additionally, the report stressed the need for survivors’ choices to bring a fuller story of the sexual assaults to the fore in the months and years to come. It also mentioned the difficulty in obtaining evidence and testimony and the challenges faced in times of war, emphasizing the need for support for survivors.
The report concluded that while information about sexual assaults on men and children is relatively scarce at this stage, it should not be overlooked, emphasizing the broader impact of such atrocities and the importance of addressing and acknowledging them.
Overall, the report provides valuable insight into the horrific crimes committed during the Hamas attack, shedding light on the systematic and deliberate sexual violence that took place. It brings attention to the challenges faced in obtaining evidence and testimonies, and emphasizes the need for support for survivors in the aftermath of such traumatic experiences.