In an important and impactful conference initiated by the Israeli Association of Rape Crisis Centers, titled “Trauma, Recovery, Justice?”, various aspects of the sexual crimes committed during the October 7 terrorist attack and their personal, social, and legal implications were discussed.
Among the key speakers was Prof. Yifat Bitton, who presented our groundbreaking report on the subject, offering a legal and social perspective on the identification, documentation, and recognition processes of sexual crimes committed as part of a terror mechanism. In her remarks, she focused on the legal paradox faced by both the victims and the legal system: the demand for concrete evidence of sexual crimes amidst the chaos that creates unprecedented challenges in proving these crimes, alongside silence, fear, and the lack of an established language.
The conference touched the open wound of Israeli society on this issue and highlighted the urgent need for recognition of these crimes, deep systemic engagement with their consequences, and the promotion of justice — not only for the survivors but also for those who were murdered and whose voices were forever silenced.
We deeply thank the Association for creating a space for dialogue, learning, listening, and connecting, and join the collective call for continued public awareness, international recognition, and an uncompromising fight for gender and human justice.
