Abstract

Rape is normally committed, examined and conceptualized as an act committed by an individual and is explained as an act of power and control over the victims. Rape is less often examined from the context of group behavior and as a function of group dynamics. In wartime, rape has historically been associated with “spoils of war” and rape has only recently been used a tactical weapon of war. One tactical objective of rape is to demoralize populations and a more sinister objective is to promote slow genocide when systematic rape is coupled with high rates of HIV infection such as is found in much of continental Africa. We provide an integrative theoretical response, Epidemiological Criminology, and specific policy suggestions to combat this crime.

Highlights

  • Dating from the very first wars and civil disturbances, “rape and pillage” of the losing force has been one of the “spoils of war” taken by the victors

  • In the Republic of South Africa (RSA) there are over 50,000 reported rapes every year and nearly three quarters of the offenders are known to the victim (Quantitative Research Findings, 2005)

  • The use of rape as a weapon of war should not be tolerated or allowed to exist. Theoretical explanations such as that advocated by Epidemiological Criminology need to be applied in both preventative and treatment modalities (Barak, 1994, 1998)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Dating from the very first wars and civil disturbances, “rape and pillage” of the losing force has been one of the “spoils of war” taken by the victors. In contemporary Africa, soldiers are using rape for specific tactical reasons that transcend traditional violations used by conquering armies. Both in the context of war and outside of war, rape is a crime that often goes unreported by the victim (Kilpatrick, 2000). The serial rapist has recently been the topic of profiling and the “typical” serial rapist was found to be a laborer, of lower education (Grade 1 - Grade 6) and under 32 years of age This is the same demographic profile of soldiers in Africa and elsewhere. HIV/AIDS differentially and disproportionally impacts women (Zaitzow, 2001) When coupled with both the physical and psychological trauma associated with rape and war, the added toll of HIV/AIDS infection is significant. This paper explores that theoretical potential in the context of preventing rape as a tactical weapon of war

Literature Review
HIV and Rape Used as a War Tactic in Uganda
Theoretically Based Policy Initiatives
Problem Statement
Epidemiological Criminology
Findings
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.