In Iraq, investigating the numerous and unique cases of sexual violence has been a “very difficult” experience.

That’s according to Rabiaa, former investigator for UN Women missions in Iraq and Syria on sexual violence in conflict-related areas.

Her hope is that the database of collected cases she helped form, will be useful for studying and preventing this “world problem,” that extends beyond conflict zones.

Rabiaa talked to Agnese Pastorino about the strategies and findings of her research.