26 Nov 2010

Govt in Nicaragua failing to tackle sexual violence - Amnesty

8:04 am on 26 November 2010

Amnesty International has accused the government in Nicaragua of failing to tackle what it says are massive levels of sexual violence against girls.

It says survivors of sexual abuse in Nicaragua are often stigmatised by the authorities and society alike.

Two-thirds of rape victims in Nicaragua are under the age of 17.

Amnesty says most perpetrators are relatives or people in positions of power, and that many girls are put under pressure to remain silent.

The group calls on Nicaragua to make clear that sexual violence is never the fault of the victim and perpetrators will be brought to justice.

The BBC reports there has been no response to the report so far from the Nicaraguan government.