BACKUP
A secure solution for reporting and documenting conflict-related sexual violence and coordinating survivor support
What is BackUp?
BackUp is a secure web application that includes a reporting feature, allowing survivors and witnesses of conflict-related sexual violence to report incidents anonymously, secure evidence usable in legal proceedings, and be connected with specialised professionals. The tool also includes an informational feature that enables users to access information on conflict-related sexual violence
Developed by We Are NOT Weapons of War (WWoW) in partnership with Intech Luxembourg, this tool leverages the latest innovations in data protection, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to ensure optimal security for transmitted information.
BackUp is more than just a reporting tool: it also facilitates the coordination of local actors, the analysis of sexual violence trends, and the capacity-building of civil society organizations.
Why is it essential?
Sexual violence in wartime is often invisible and goes unpunished. BackUp addresses four major challenges:
1. Reporting difficulties – Victims face psychological (fear, stigma) and material (lack of access to services) barriers.
2. Loss or alteration of evidence – Time and the absence of secure mechanisms often compromise access to justice.
3. Lack of coordination – Professionals (doctors, police officers, lawyers) lack adequate tools to centralize information and coordinate survivor support.
4. Insufficient data – There is no centralized and reliable database to measure the scale of sexual violence in crisis contexts and adapt humanitarian and judicial responses accordingly.
How does BackUp work?
REPORT AND ALERT
Through a simple and tailored questionnaire, anyone (victim, witness, journalist, doctor, NGO, etc.) can report a crime and provide evidence (photos, videos, audio testimonies, etc.).
SECURE TESTIMONIES
The collected data is stored on an ultra-secure server abroad, ensuring its integrity and protection. Blockchain authentication guarantees the immutability of the data, allowing its potential use in legal proceedings.
CONNECT VICTIMS WITH PROFESSIONALS
Through an API system, victims are connected with a network of pre-identified experts (doctors, psychologists, lawyers, etc.) to ensure fast and effective support directly in the field.
MAP AND ANALYZE CRIMES
An intelligent back-office centralizes and analyzes anonymized data to enable real-time mapping of reported crimes. This facilitates trend analysis, prevention efforts, and supports advocacy actions.
GET INFORMED
Through access to informational content, which enables users to be informed and raise awareness about conflict-related sexual violence, its impacts, and possible actions.
Deployment and Future Prospects
BackUp was designed using a participatory and scientific approach, involving survivors, researchers, and field professionals. Since its prototype was tested in Guinea-Conakry, Rwanda, Burundi, and Libya, BackUp has demonstrated its ability to adapt to various crisis contexts.
Its progressive deployment methodology consists of several steps:
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Identifying the local network and assessing needs
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Training and engaging local actors
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Disseminating the tool and providing support
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Gathering feedback and adapting to local realities
BackUp Today: A Concrete Impact
Nigeria (Borno State)
Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, BackUp is being deployed in partnership with Libraries Without Borders and Grassroots Research Association. It facilitates the training of local actors and the organization of awareness groups with religious and community leaders.
Ukraine
A symposium held in Kyiv in November 2024, in collaboration with WICC and Stand Speak Rise Up!, recognized BackUp as a potentially key tool for managing cases of sexual violence in wartime.
Future Prospects
A new informational module is currently in development to provide users with resources on sexual violence and reporting procedures.