Prof. Yifat Bitton, the lead author of the report “Challenges in Identifying and Documenting Sexual Crimes Committed During a Terrorist Attack,” has been selected to receive the ‘Israeli Society Heroes Award’ from the Zionist Council in Israel of the World Zionist Organization.
This award represents significant public recognition of Prof. Bitton’s groundbreaking professional work. Since the October 7th terrorist attack, she has led a comprehensive and in-depth initiative to expose the challenges in identifying and documenting the sexual assaults that occurred, bringing the voices of the victims to the forefront of public and legal discourse in Israel and around the world.
The exceptionally comprehensive report she authored together with a team of 3 researchers marks a milestone in documenting such events. It also proposes an action framework that could serve as an international protocol for responding to sexual crimes committed during terror attacks or other times of conflict.
The personal recognition of Prof. Bitton reflects the broad impact of her work, not only as a researcher but also as a moral voice fighting for the truth, recognition, justice, and hope for all who have experienced sexual violence.
