Consequences of sex-based violence on women and girls Sex-based violence in Myanmar has profound consequences for women and girls, affecting their psychological well-being, physical health, economic stability, and human rights. The military’s use of such violence not only harms victims but also entrenches systemic oppression, silencing women and erasing them from public and political life. Trauma The military deliberately cultivates sex-based psychological terror through rape, executions, and arbitrary detention, forcing women and girls to live in fear. This climate of fear has led to a mass withdrawal of women from civic and political spaces, undermining their ability to participate in protests, advocacy, and leadership. The psychological toll is devastating, impairing their ability to exercise freedoms of expression and association. Harm to sexual and reproductive health Sex-based violence often results in severe physical harm, including internal injuries, chronic pain, and reproductive health complications, including forced pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services further exacerbates these harms, particularly for displaced women and girls, who are among the most vulnerable. Many displaced women lack access to maternal healthcare, leading to an increase in life-threatening conditions such as haemorrhages, miscarriages, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. The military’s deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities and workers has further restricted access to medical treatment, violating women’s right to health. Social and economic consequences Women and girls face heightened risks of exploitation when facing sex-based violence, including being forced into survival-driven coping mechanisms, including early or forced marriages, transactional sex, and exploitative labour arrangements. Many sacrifice their nutrition for their families, leading to malnutrition and related health complications. Survivors also experience stigma, particularly in cases of sexual violence, where patriarchal norms blame victims rather than perpetrators. Women who become pregnant from sexual violence often face social exclusion, compounding their trauma. The lack of legal protection and accountability mechanisms further exacerbates these harms, as survivors are often left without access to justice or remedies for the crimes committed against them. The economic impact extends beyond individual survivors, as women who experience violence lose access to employment and education, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Girls subjected to sexbased violence often drop out of school, limiting future opportunities. The economic marginalisation of women reinforces their dependence on male-dominated structures, violating their rights to education and work.