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2.1.2 Sexual violence as a weapon of war
Aim . To clarify what is meant by gender-based violence ( GBV ) and emphasise that violence against boys and men in various forms , including torture and sexual violence , is a serious human rights violation .
Although not all countries have criminalised rape or sexual abuse of men , all forms of sexual violence in conflict violate international human rights and are therefore illegal . Many acts of sexual violence in war and conflict meet the criteria for torture or inhuman treatment . Often referred to as “ a weapon of war ”, their intention is to humiliate , control and intimidate individuals and populations by breaking down their social ties and dignity .
“ Many acts of sexual violence in war and conflict meet the criteria for torture or inhuman treatment . Often referred to as “ a weapon of war ”, their intention is to humiliate , control and intimidate individuals and populations by breaking down their social ties and dignity .”
A survey of various conflict-affected areas in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) found that almost a quarter of men had experienced sexual violence . 21 Among men living in conflict-affected areas of southern Sudan , another survey showed that almost half had experienced or witnessed sexual abuse of men . 22 In Liberia , a third of former male soldiers reported that they had experienced sexual violence in various contexts . 23 Between January and May 2016 , one fifth of the rapes reported to the Gender-based Violence Information Management System ( GBV IMS ) in Lebanon concerned boys and men . 24 Male refugees also experience sexual violence , notably migrants who are LGBTQI + or have disabilities . A survey by Doctors Without Borders of 429 refugees fleeing violence in Central America found that 17.2 % of males reported sexual abuse while in transit through Mexico . 25
KEY TO KNOW
To make progress towards stopping sexual violence , and to allocate resources wisely , we need to know where sexual violence occurs , when and how it occurs , and to whom . Sexual violence against men and boys can occur everywhere , and has been described in most wars , conflict areas , refugee situations and disasters . In a Norwegian survey of refugees arriving from Syria , almost one in ten men and boys reported that they had been exposed to sexual violence . 26 Other surveys in war zones or refugee camps show even higher numbers ; often up to a quarter of men and boys say that they have been subjected to sexual violence . 27
REFLECTION QUESTION
Questions to reflect on
• As a helper , what will be the biggest challenge of working on sexual abuse of men ( rather than women )?
• How can you learn about other possible sources of help , with whom you can collaborate or to whom you can refer cases ?