They Raped Us One by One”: The Untold Stories of East Timor’s Forgotten Women of War

During the late 1970s, as East Timor endured a brutal invasion and occupation, countless women were subjected to unimaginable atrocities. These women, often silenced by fear and stigma, have remained invisible in the broader historical discourse. Eyewitnesses recount how systematic sexual violence was employed as a weapon of war to terrorize the population and dismantle communities. Despite decades passing, many survivors still grapple with the scars-both physical and psychological-while fighting for recognition and justice.

Key facts about this dark chapter include:

• Thousands of women targeted during coordinated military campaigns
• Widespread use of rape as a deliberate tool of oppression
• Limited access to medical and psychological support for survivors
• Enduring social stigma preventing many from speaking out

During the Indonesian occupation of East Timor from 1975 to 1999, horrific acts of sexual violence were systematically deployed as instruments of terror and control. Countless women were subjected to brutal rapes, often in front of family members, with perpetrators ranging from soldiers to militia members aligned with occupying forces. Survivors’ accounts reveal a chilling pattern of violence that transcended spontaneous acts of cruelty, instead reflecting a deliberate policy aimed at breaking community bonds and silencing dissent. Despite this, the stories of these women have been largely marginalized, neglected in broader historical narratives and justice mechanisms.

The survivors faced not only physical trauma but also social stigmatization and a lack of institutional support, perpetuating a cycle of silence. Many still live in fear of reprisals or social exclusion, their pain hidden behind a veil of shame. Key facts emerging from testimonies include:

• Prevalence: An estimated 10,000 women endured sexual violence during the occupation.
• Locations: Incidents occurred in military barracks, detention centers, and villages.
• Forms of abuse: Rape, forced marriage, and sexual slavery.
• Legal redress: Minimal prosecution of perpetrators has taken place.

Calls for Justice Addressing Impunity and Supporting Survivors in Post-Conflict East Timor

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