sexual violence, particularly rape, are also systematically used as a tool of war in armed conflict. 59. Any person regardless of their gender may be a victim of sexual and gender-based violence. There is wide prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated against women and girls. Acts of sexual violence against men and boys, persons with psychosocial disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons are of equal concern, and must also be adequately and effectively addressed by State Parties. 60. State Parties are required to adopt specific measures to address the barriers that prevent access to redress for sexual and gender based violence. Effective redress for acts of sexual and gender based violence is hindered by the fact that they are often hidden and over-looked as taboos. Stigma, feelings of guilt or shame, fear of retribution, and the unavailability of support or lack of information about available support, often prevent victims from coming forward. Further, injuries, both physical and psychological, may be less obvious than those caused by other forms of violence. 61. State Parties are required to take a range of measures to ensure that victims of sexual and gender based violence obtain redress. These measures may include ensuring adequate documentation; criminalising all forms of sexual and gender based violence; ensuring accountability of perpetrators; providing support to victims at all stages of the legal process; identifying the causes and consequences of sexual and gender based violence and taking all necessary measures to prevent and eradicate it; putting in place efficient and accessible reparation programmes and ensuring participation of victims in the elaboration, adoption and implementation of the programmes; providing unimpeded and regular access to comprehensive health care, including sexual and reproductive health-care services, physical rehabilitation, psychological and psychosocial support, and socio-economic support; and observing the need to ensure the dignity and safety of victims and the importance of confidentiality and privacy. 18