Sexual violence against women during conflict: the need for a coordinated effort

Zinsstag, Estelle

Abstract

Systematic campaigns of rape in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s have drawn international attention to the abuse of women in times of war. But the number of victims who receive redress or support for rebuilding their lives remains small. Sexual violence against women including rape, sexual mutilation and slavery, forced prostitution and impregnation, have long been a feature of conflict. Such violence has been viewed as legitimate ‘spoils of war’ against conquered populations, used to dominate or torture conquered populations, and used as a strategy of ethnic cleansing or genocide. A coordinated and holistic approach is needed, to ensure justice for victims of sexual crimes during armed conflict. Criminal courts, truth and reconciliation commissions and reparation schemes should unify their efforts to increase efficiency, and push the issue of sexual violence into the public realm.

Citation

Zinsstag, E. (2007). Sexual violence against women during conflict: the need for a coordinated effort

• Publication Date: 2007
• Deposit Date: Mar 17, 2025
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/4177725