12 4 . Gender-based violence in conflict and war
PART I : POINTS OF DEPARTURE
4 . Gender-based violence in conflict and war
Aim . To clarify the connection between gender-based violence ( GBV ) and sexual gender-based violence ( SGBV ) in war , why this has been described as a ‘ weapon of war ’, and how it affects both individuals and society .
The term ‘ gender-based violence ’ refers to violence that targets individuals or groups on the basis of their gender . Sexual violence is a form of gender-based violence that may include sexual exploitation , sexual abuse or rape . It refers to any act , attempt , or threat of a sexual nature that results , or is likely to result , in physical , psychological and emotional harm . Whenever we refer to GBV in this manual we focus on sexual gender-based violence .
Gender-based violence in war often seems unpredictable or random , but is used as a strategic weapon to defeat and humiliate opponents . It has been a feature of wars and conflict throughout history , and in that context today it is associated with ethnic cleansing , genocide , sexual slavery , forced prostitution , trafficking , kidnapping ( mostly of young girls ), dependency on male benefactors in refugee camps , etc . Rape is used frequently as a weapon of war to intimidate and humiliate families and communities , and dehumanise those who are considered enemies . Women are often forced to provide sexual services to combatants .
In June 2008 , the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1820 ( SCR 1820 ) which addresses sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations . In 2009 , the Security Council adopted Resolution 1888 , which urged Member States to take effective steps to halt use of sexual violence as a tactic of war . Resolution 1888 considers the practical implementation of some of the recommendations in SCR 1820 . Via these resolutions , the international community affirmed clearly that sexual violence is used to wage war and that such conduct is prohibited . Rape in war is now considered a war crime .
Rape is described as a ‘ weapon of war ’ because it is used to destroy communities from the inside . Women in many societies are responsible for caring for both the young and the old , and in times of war they may earn the family income . The humiliation of women also humiliates their men , who have been unable to protect them . Rape destroys trust and disrupts social networks . After rape , many women are marginalised , stigmatised , and isolated . Rape in war and forced pregnancies are also used for ethnic cleansing , to demonstrate power and destroy the enemy . GBV in war has very serious consequences . Psychologically it is a major trauma , and often causes severe physical pain and fear . Transmission of disease is also frequent , especially in situations where women have little safety or security and poor access to health care and other forms of support . It is therefore vitally important to provide help and assistance to survivors , to restore their dignity and self-respect , and create conditions in which they feel protected and belong in a community .