The British Government is building on links with the Church forged over tackling human trafficking to combat sexual violence in conflict, as the Minister responsible reports

Last week, as Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I addressed in Rome representatives of male and female religious congregations on their role in supporting the survivors of sexual violence in conflict. These two groups, the male Union of Superiors General and the female Union of International Superiors General, represent the 800,000 members of the Catholic religious congregations working around the world to improve the lives of others, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances.

I was there to talk about Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI), an agenda which the United Kingdom has promoted internationally. During the conference, I met individuals who had worked on the ground in conflict zones, who witnessed these crimes and who had supported survivors in the aftermath of their ordeal.

These Religious were frequently the only support present, arriving first and remaining long after international organisations had been forced to leave. They form a trusted and integral part of communities, help to rebuild lives and patiently assist in the long and delicate process of community reconciliation. Meeting them was an inspiring experience. I was there to ask: how can the British Government and the global Catholic community work together on this?