Sexual assault epidemic in Gaza

[Albertoo]

In a society where women are encouraged to hide, molestation of boys increases.

See the bacha bazis of Afghanistan.

Sexual assault epidemic in Gaza

Over 650 cases a year of sexual assaults on children are reported to a Palestinian NGO; most assaults go unreported, 'hidden because of the weight of tradition and culture of shame'

Life has turned into a nightmare for Fatma’s family since her eldest son, 11, was sexually assaulted, a trauma which has damaged them all and forced them to move house.

Fatma’s family is one of the rare victims who speak out on a taboo issue in the conservative Gaza Strip and to bring the case to court. “Even though they are part of the family, I asked for the death penalty,” she said.

Gazan society, in which tradition has always played a major role, has turned in on itself further since the Islamist movement Hamas won 2006 elections and took sole control of the territory the next year after deadly clashes with the rival secular Fatah.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4808530,00.html