This paper presents the initial findings from research carried out on the requirement, in certain countries, to report sexual violence cases to law enforcement authorities, and the humanitarian impacts of such obligations in the context of armed conflicts and other situations of violence. The research established that mandatory reporting laws, policies and practices in these contexts, often impact negatively on access to health care for victims/survivors of sexual violence and may expose them to secondary violence and harm. The paper presents recommendations to States that have mandatory reporting requirements in place, and to donors and health-care actors on how to mitigate the consequences of mandatory reporting on the health, safety and well-being of victims/survivors.
