
The Zimbabwe government's youth militia use the most horrific tactic — rape — as a tool to terrorize those suspected of sympathizing with the opposition. President Robert Mugabe's ruling party has been carrying out a campaign of political terror since
opposition supporters contested his election.
Today's New York Times
paints a graphic picture of how many of Zimbabwe's women have been abused, humiliated, and raped, often in front of their families. State hospitals have turned away rape victims, who are often in pain and bleeding, and looking to prevent pregnancy, HIV, or other STDs.

Groups Oppose Abortion For 11-Year-Old in Romania
Twenty church groups on Thursday urged a government committee not to allow an 11-year-old girl who was raped by her uncle to go to Britain for an abortion. The antiabortion Christian Orthodox groups also threatened to press charges if the girl were allowed to have a termination in Romania. Their position was in contrast to the official stand of the Romanian Orthodox Church, which said the decision should be left to the girl's family.
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It's a grim addition to the court of YouTube: a Florida 16-year-old who says
she's a victim in a rape case that's gone unprosecuted by the Orange County state attorney's office is airing her plea for justice on the video-sharing site.
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In the video, she says, "Hi, my name is Crystal . .

Trauma and embarrassment prevent many rape victims from seeking medical help or contacting authorities immediately. In an effort to resolve more rape cases, anonymous rape kits will be available at hospitals, colleges, and clinics. This way, after the shock has worn off, and a victim decides to press charges, it will not be too late to present evidence.