A disturbing new report from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) documents an alarming escalation of sexual violence being systematically employed as a tool of terror against the population of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The comprehensive analysis, titled “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Port-au-Prince,” reveals that incidents have nearly tripled since 2021, with monthly admissions at MSF’s specialized Pran Men’m clinic surging from approximately 95 cases to over 250 by 2025.
The findings, drawn from a decade of medical data and victim testimonies, paint a harrowing picture of deliberate brutality. Since 2022, 57% of patients reported assaults perpetrated by armed groups, frequently involving gang rape scenarios. Shockingly, more than one hundred victims described being attacked by ten or more assailants simultaneously.
Women and girls across all age groups are being targeted, with displaced individuals particularly vulnerable due to their precarious living situations. The report indicates nearly 20% of treated patients have endured multiple assaults, highlighting the cyclical nature of the violence.
Critical healthcare access remains severely compromised, with only one-third of survivors reaching the clinic within the crucial 72-hour window for HIV prevention. Additionally, 59% arrive after five days, missing opportunities to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Systemic barriers including fear of stigmatization, financial constraints, security concerns, and information gaps prevent victims from seeking timely care.
MSF’s Head of Mission in Haiti, Diana Manilla Arroyo, emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and recognition of sexual violence as a deliberate weapon of control. The organization calls for guaranteed free access to comprehensive medical and psychosocial support services for survivors amid Haiti’s collapsing infrastructure and deteriorating living conditions.