Civilians in Africa's conflict zones, particularly women and children, are often vulnerable to sexual violence, including rape, mutilation and sexual slavery, carried out by government security forces and non-state actors. While such abuses are by no means limited to Africa, weak justice systems in many African states can mean that victims have little legal redress. This book examines the issue of sexual violence in African conflicts and reports on the programs Congress seeks to address them through legislation, hearings, and other congressional actions.