Sexual violence against women was used as a weapon of war during the 36 year armed conflict, in order to wound and demonstrate dominance over the enemy, say experts. The violence was carried out collectively and planned well in advance, and was not the result of sexual desire or the context of generalized violence, as has sometimes been argued. In Guatemala the counterinsurgency policy developed by the state during the 80s included not only torture, massacre, forced disappearances and the wiping out of entire indigenous communities, but also the systematic rape of Mayan women. Such acts of violence against women tend to be relegated to the margins amidst so much violence, but they nevertheless have serious consequences - not only for those that suffer directly but throughout the victims’ communities. After years of silence on the issue, various organizations have chosen to speak out, denouncing the fact that most of the perpetrators remain in impunity.