Sexual violence against refugees is not only a global problem, but also a problem here at home.

It constitutes a violation of basic human rights, instilling fear in the lives of victims already profoundly affected by their displacement. Refugees have had horrific experiences and brought with them harrowing stories of abuse and suffering.

The refugee population in Maine comprises nearly every community resettled in the United States. Refugees in Maine constitute a complex population of ethnic and national groups with varied backgrounds. The numerous refugee communities that currently reside in Portland, Lewiston and Auburn include those originally resettled in the state, as well as newly arrived secondary migrants.

Refugees often have come from war-torn countries. They have been exposed to torture, killings, rape and other forms of sexual violence, lack of health care, malnutrition and poor living conditions in the refugee camps.

They spend many years in the refugee camps while waiting for countries such as the United States to resettle them. Law and order in refugee camps is lacking. Safety for women and children in those camps is non-existent, so often women become victims of violence.

It is very courageous to be a refugee, displaced from your home country and somehow to have to start a new life in a new country. Often, refugees have lost everything. It takes courage, faith, strength and optimism that somehow you will find hope someday. The refugee path is a long journey filled with fear, uncertainty, violence, loss and much more horrific experiences one can endure in life.

Most refugees are women and children. Refugee women and girls are most vulnerable to sexual violence while they are at different stages in their Diaspora. Many refugee women and girls have to take great risks and travel through unsafe areas to either get to a refugee camp, a neighboring country or may have no choice but to go back to their war torn country.

Sexual violence has no cultural background — it happens in every community. In many refugee cultures, the topic is not talked about; it is a taboo.

Cultural and religious perception of sexual violence dictates the community’s respond to this issue. It is important to note that many refugees come from developing countries with limited resources to combat this issue. Lack of acknowledgement and education makes it difficult for communities to address the issue.

In addressing sexual violence against refuge women, it is crucial to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate services. It is also imperative to understand these communities because of the significant cultural differences, including language barriers and the acculturation process.

Maine is working to create innovative programs to serve this population. United Somali Women of Maine is a member program of Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. For the past five years, together we have been working to create culturally and linguistically appropriate services for the refugee communities.

Together, we can stand against these crimes and become voices for innocent women and girls.

Fatuma Hussein is director of the United Somali Women of Maine, [email protected].