RAMLE, ISRAEL – The Association of Rape Crisis Centers of Israel (ARCCI) released a comprehensive report detailing the sexual crimes committed “systematically and intentionally” during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
According to the “Silent Cry” report, the attacks by Hamas involved violent rape, often with weapons, and in some cases, in front of witnesses. The report also highlighted “sadistic practices” which included mutilation and use of weapons during the assaults.
The report stressed the difficulty in obtaining evidence and testimony, especially during wartime. It noted that the process already proves difficult enough in times of peace and faces even greater stumbling blocks in times of war.
The report also revealed that sexual assaults occurred against men and children, with a focus on male survivors having more difficulty seeking help. It concluded that the limited exposure of sexual assaults on men is considered characteristic of the phenomenon, and that male survivors in this case will have more difficulty seeking help.
The ARCCI is an umbrella organization of Israel’s regional rape crisis centers, and the director emphasized that the evidence provided in the report is still preliminary and more information may surface in the months and years to come.
Ultimately, the report highlighted the severity of sexual violence and rape committed during the Hamas attack, shedding light on the challenges of addressing such crimes in times of war and the impact on survivors, including men and children.