Rape is not a subject that receives much representation in the public sphere in the Caucasus. It is similarly marginalized within Caucasian society itself, and there are very few non-governmental organizations specifically dedicated to helping rape victims. To a large extent, it has to be assumed that rape occurs behind closed doors, and because women are not encouraged to come forward as rape victims – the stigma attached to a woman who has experienced sexual violation is intense – there is rea…