About this Research Topic
Conflict-related sexual violence is a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue that emerges prominently during times of conflict. This form of violence encompasses a range of heinous acts, including rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage, among others, affecting individuals across gender and age spectrums. Despite the establishment of international humanitarian and legal frameworks aimed at eradicating such violence, it remains a persistent challenge, exacerbated by the frequent violation of laws during conflicts. The repercussions of conflict-related sexual violence are profound, manifesting in physical injuries, infectious diseases, and severe psychological trauma. Cultural factors further complicate the issue, as societal stigmas often deter survivors from seeking help, thereby perpetuating a cycle of silence and suffering. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies and support systems for survivors, which are currently insufficiently addressed in existing research and practice.
This research topic aims to explore and address the multifaceted challenges of conflict-related sexual violence, with a focus on both prevention and survivor support. The primary objectives include understanding the psychological and social dynamics that contribute to the perpetration of such violence, developing effective prevention strategies, and enhancing support mechanisms for survivors. The research will also investigate the role of cultural sensitivity in shaping responses to sexual violence and the integration of medical and psychological treatments tailored to conflict settings. By examining these aspects, the research seeks to contribute to the development of holistic and sustainable solutions to combat conflict-related sexual violence.
To gather further insights in the complex landscape of conflict-related sexual violence, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The psychological and social factors influencing the perpetration of sexual violence in conflict settings.
- Innovative prevention strategies and their implementation in diverse cultural contexts.
- The development and evaluation of integrated medical and psychological support models for survivors.
- The role of transitional and universal justice in addressing conflict-related sexual violence.
- Community-based approaches to reducing stigma and facilitating the reintegration of survivors.
- The impact of conflict-related sexual violence on public health and societal structures.
- Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and mitigating the long-term effects of sexual violence in conflict zones.
This research topic aims to explore and address the multifaceted challenges of conflict-related sexual violence, with a focus on both prevention and survivor support. The primary objectives include understanding the psychological and social dynamics that contribute to the perpetration of such violence, developing effective prevention strategies, and enhancing support mechanisms for survivors. The research will also investigate the role of cultural sensitivity in shaping responses to sexual violence and the integration of medical and psychological treatments tailored to conflict settings. By examining these aspects, the research seeks to contribute to the development of holistic and sustainable solutions to combat conflict-related sexual violence.
To gather further insights in the complex landscape of conflict-related sexual violence, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The psychological and social factors influencing the perpetration of sexual violence in conflict settings.
- Innovative prevention strategies and their implementation in diverse cultural contexts.
- The development and evaluation of integrated medical and psychological support models for survivors.
- The role of transitional and universal justice in addressing conflict-related sexual violence.
- Community-based approaches to reducing stigma and facilitating the reintegration of survivors.
- The impact of conflict-related sexual violence on public health and societal structures.
- Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and mitigating the long-term effects of sexual violence in conflict zones.
Keywords: conflict-related sexual violence, sexual violence in conflict, tactic of war, physical impact, psychological impact, survivors, cultural sensitivity
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
