High Levels Of Sexual Violence Research Articles

Barriers and enablers towards integrated care for sexual violence victims in humanitarian settings

Abstract Background Sexual violence (SV) is a complex public health issue that necessitates a coordinated multisectoral response. Ideally, this response should be provided through an integrated care package to strengthen timely access and comprehensive care for victims. However, in humanitarian settings with high levels of SV, care is often offered through fragmented silos, exacerbating the burden on the health workforce and victims. Methods Using the Valentijn framework, a qualitative, real-time Delphi study was conducted with 17 SV care experts representing 7 geographical subregions to gain informed opinions on key contextual and health system barriers and enablers for integrated care for SV victims in humanitarian settings. Results Challenges and enablers reported across the diversity of the participants’ contexts showed consistency. Contextual challenges included volatile contexts, collapsed health systems, and poor infrastructure. Professional challenges included a lack of expertise among healthcare providers (HCPs), high staff attrition, and compassion fatigue among HCPs. Health systems challenges included poor referral and coordination mechanisms, insufficient resources, misaligned donor-programme priorities and low prioritisation of SV comprehensive care. Key enablers reported were effective networking, community engagement, capacity building, co-locating services, participatory management, promoting staff’s sense of ownership, digitalised information systems, and joint patient files. Conclusions The sustainability of integrated care for SV victims can be strengthened by ensuring HCPs access regular psychological support and training and are incentivised to provide quality care. Regular coordination among actors, including donors, can support integrating care that responds to patients’ holistic needs. Further research is needed to assess HCPs’ and SV victims’ experiences of current service delivery and how to optimise integrated care in humanitarian settings. Key messages • Addressing care providers challenges in humanitarian settings, such as high attrition, lack of training, psychosocial support, and burnout, can ensure proper integration of sexual violence care. • Integration of sexual violence care demands systemic changes, including aligning donor-programme goals, building accountability mechanisms and the buy-in of political and community leaders.

Violence beyond the Battlefield: Civilian Targeting, Sexual Violence, and Women’s Political Empowerment

Abstract Research has established links between intrastate conflict and political gains by women following war, suggesting that changes of a positive nature can emerge from the misery of war. While much of the empirical focus on conflicts’ transformative effects has been on battle-related violence, we investigate whether pro-social effects are associated with two other types of violence perpetrated against civilians—one-sided violence and sexual violence. We expect that both one-sided violence and sexual violence spur mobilization, which in turn contributes to gains in women’s political empowerment. Informed by feminist scholarship, we also draw attention to social and political constraints associated with high levels of sexual violence, restrictions that we argue women are unlikely to confront to a similar degree with respect to high levels of one-sided and other forms of violence. We posit that these factors will result in the attenuation of gains in women’s political power in conflicts characterized by high levels of sexual violence. Using cross-national data on civil conflicts for the period 1989–2017, we find that moderate levels of sexual violence are consistently associated with gains in women’s political empowerment, an effect that diminishes in conflicts marked by widespread sexual violence. One-sided violence, on the other hand, is not associated with improvements in women’s political empowerment. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering the different forms of wartime violence, and the differential impacts these forms of violence have on women.​

Hubungan Pengetahuan Kesehatan Reproduksi Dengan Perilaku Seksual Remaja Di SMK BIM Banjarsari Kabupaten Lebak

Introduction: Sex education that is not given at an early age results in high levels of sexual violence against children committed by those closest to the child, including the family. This phenomenon shows the importance of understanding sex education in early childhood. The problem of sex education at this time is not being paid much attention to by parents, so they leave all their children's education to schools, including sex education. Even though those who are responsible for sex education in early childhood are parents, schools are only a complement, and in schools, there is no curriculum on sex education so early childhood is sometimes neglected. Methods: This research is quantitative research, namely research that uses data in the form of numbers as a tool to analyze information about what you want to know. Correlation research design with a cross-sectional approach. Results: In the chi-square test, the Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) value was obtained. The Pearson chi-square test obtained a p-value of 0,017 (< 0,05); so it can be concluded that H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Thus it can be interpreted that there is a relationship between respondents' knowledge and sexual behavior statistically and is quite significant for BIM Banjarsari Vocational High School students. Discussion: Reproductive health knowledge and social behavior of SMK BIM Banjarsari students is still lacking, there is a relationship between respondents' knowledge and sexual behavior statistically and quite significant for students of SMK BIM Banjarsari with a p-value of 0,017 (< 0,05).

Exploring the Effectiveness of International Organizations Interventions on Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The United Nations and MDecins Sans Frontieres as Examples

Womens bodies often bear the consequences of war and conflict. To safeguard womens dignity and health, international governmental organizations, represented by the UN, and international organizations, represented by Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF), have tried to prevent sexual violence through reforms and development interventions in countries in conflict. However, since the end of the civil conflict in 2003, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has continued to experience high levels of sexual violence. This paper uses case studies to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the causes of the high prevalence of sexual violence and the reasons for the failure of two organisations interventions in the country. It also provides recommendations for future interventions by international organisations in the country. In particular, more realistic measures for the protection of victims and cooperation between international actors, not only focusing on conventional international actors but also taking into account cooperation with local NGOs and the media. As well as focusing more on how to change the deep-rooted gender inequalities. The intention is to fill the gap in how to address sexual violence from the perspective of international organisations.

An analysis of changes in the prevalence and patterns of intimate partner violence against women in seven Asian countries

BackgroundAssessments of changes in prevalence and patterns of violence against women are critical to inform prevention and response approaches and to monitor progress towards elimination. Most countries in the Asia Region have data on violence and several have completed second and third waves of surveys. This study sought to assess and compare the prevalence and patterns of physical and/or sexual partner violence in seven Asian countries with at least two rounds of comparable national-level data.MethodsWe conducted primary descriptive analyses using Demographic and Health data from India, Nepal, and Pakistan (South Asia), and from Cambodia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and extracted data from reports from Vietnam (Southeast Asia). We examined differences in partner violence by type of violence, reference periods, severity of violence, and age group. Pearson chi-square tests and Mantel-Haenszel test for trend were used to assess whether differences between time points were significant (p < 0.05).ResultsPrevalence and patterns of violence vary across countries and sub-regions. In Southeast Asia, women in Cambodia and Vietnam experienced increasing and relatively high levels of sexual violence alongside declining physical violence. Reported levels of violence were lowest in the Philippines and prevalence showed consistent declines. Timor-Leste stands out as having the highest prevalence of physical partner violence, and there were consistently significant increases in estimates. Women in South Asia experienced predominantly physical violence and there were consistent declines in all three countries, though physical violence increased among older women in India.ConclusionsData from Asian countries where more than one prevalence survey had been done provided a unique opportunity to analyse differences in estimates of violence against women at two time points. Deeper analyses into types and severity of violence revealed that overall prevalence estimates hid more complex patterns. There are clear limitations in using survey data to understand the nuances which highlighted the need for depth analysis identifying contextual factors of violence to inform situation specific policies and interventions for the greatest impact. It is also clear that more than two data points are necessary to identify change over time, and interventions driving or preventing that change.

Sexual Violence. Inadequate Reporting of a Silent Scourge in Secondary Schools in Cameroon

The paper examined how boys and girls are affected by sexual violence in relation to their learning and foxed out of the study, how the learning of students is affected in schools by violence in Cameroon. Sexual violence is more often than not, linked to the female gender with the males always almost forgotten. The essence of the study is to investigate the effects of sexual violence on the learning abilities of students of both sexes in schools in the framework of global learning and in Cameroon. The study was conceived as an experimental group design with a cause-effect approach. The study used the quantitative approach with structured questionnaires that have been tested and validated through multinational and regional organizations and institutions. 924 students were randomly selected from eight secondary schools in one region of Cameroon. and used as the primary sample. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit data. The collected data was analysed using JAMOVI. The analysis was dependent on descriptive statistics. The study’s findings show high levels of sexual violence against both genders, with the males, more affected, by high levels of different forms of violence and poor school quality. This situation reduces schools to arenas of illicit sexual activities thereby compromising the learning and social justice for the students. In perspective, therefore, a lot of research needs to be undertaken to unravel such a teeming quagmire.

Why do the Levels of Sexual Violence Vary Across Genocides? A Comparison of the Bengali and Kurdish Genocides

ABSTRACT What causes variation in the prevalence of sexual violence across genocides? We examine the conditions under which sexual violence may be used as a strategy of genocide, and the power dynamics in institutions at the state- and group-level. In order to explore the dynamics of sexual violence in genocidal campaigns we conduct a comparative study with two cases: the Bengali genocide of 1971, in which there were high levels of sexual violence, and the Kurdish genocide of 1987–1989, in which the levels of sexual violence were low. Our findings may shed light on the behaviour of armed groups and the dynamics of genocidal violence. We find that micro-dynamics and individual behaviour better explain repertoires of genocidal violence than purely structural approaches. In the two cases, there seems to be a causal link between group leaders’ control and the prevalence of sexual violence. The attitude and behaviour of leaders – particularly military leaders – could immensely affect armed group’s repertoire of violence. If they choose to do so, commanders are capable of building institutions to prevent rape.

Rape survivors in South Africa: analysis of the baseline socio-demographic and health characteristics of a rape cohort

ABSTRACT Background Little is known about women who have experienced a recent rape, and how they differ from women without this exposure. Identifying factors linked to rape is important for preventing rape and developing effective responses in countries like South Africa with high levels of sexual violence. Objective To describe the socio-demographic and health profile of women recently exposed to rape and to compare them with a non-rape-exposed group. Methods The Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation Study (RICE) enrolled 852 women age 16–40 years exposed to rape from post-rape care centres in Durban (South Africa) and a control group of 853 women of the same age range who have never been exposed to rape recruited from public health services. Descriptive analyses include logistic regression modelling of socio-demographic characteristics associated with recent rape exposure. Results Women with recent rape reported poorer health and more intimate partner violence than those who were not raped. They had a lower likelihood of having completed school (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.46 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.24–0.87) and dependence on a government grant as a main source of income (OR 0.61: 95%CI 0.49–0.77). They were more likely to live in informal housing (OR 1.88 95%CI: 1.43–2.46) or rural areas (OR 2.24: 95%CI 1.61–3.07) than formal housing areas – however they were also more likely to report full-time employment (OR 4.24: 95%CI 2.73–6.57). Conclusion The study shows that structural factors, such as lower levels of education, poverty, and living in areas of poor infrastructure are associated with women’s vulnerability to rape. It also shows possible protection from rape afforded by the national financial safety net. It highlights the importance of safe transportation in commuting to work. Preventing rape is critical for enabling women’s full social and economic development, and structural interventions are key for reducing women’s vulnerability.

Characterizing the prevalence and contributing factors of sexual violence: A representative cross-sectional study among school-going adolescents in two East African countries

BackgroundSexual violence against minors is a global phenomenon with wide-ranging negative consequences. Global reports suggest that it is a particularly serious issue in East African countries, although research on prevalence and characteristics of violence in these countries is scarce. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess sexual violence and its circumstances among Tanzanian and Ugandan adolescents. Participants and settingTwo representative samples of secondary school students aged 12–17 from Tanzania and Uganda (N = 1402) were included in this study. MethodsData assessed using standardized questionnaires were analyzed to determine prevalence, characteristics, and contributing factors of sexual violence among youth. ResultsWe found high levels of sexual violence (27.2 %) exceeding global average estimates of under 20 %. Significantly more sexual violence experiences were reported by boys (29.9 %) than girls (24.6 %) and by older compared to younger adolescents (30.2 % vs. 19.6 %). Peers were the most frequent perpetrator group, named by 47.6 % of those reporting abuse. Several potential contributing factors for victimization were identified, such as rural living area, external financial support, and being in a romantic relationship. ConclusionsSexual violence is a relevant issue among East African adolescents that occurs in a variety of settings but appears to be most prevalent between peers. Comprehensive sexual education approaches may help to improve the protection of adolescents and to enhance autonomous sexual development.

Gang membership and sexual violence: associations with childhood maltreatment and psychiatric morbidity.

Gang members engage in many high-risk sexual activities that may be associated with psychiatric morbidity. Victim-focused research finds high prevalence of sexual violence towards women affiliated with gangs. To investigate associations between childhood maltreatment and psychiatric morbidity on coercive and high-risk sexual behaviour among gang members. Cross-sectional survey of 4665 men 18-34 years in Great Britain using random location sampling. The survey oversampled men from areas with high levels of violence and gang membership. Participants completed questionnaires covering violent and sexual behaviours, experiences of childhood disadvantage and trauma, and psychiatric diagnoses using standardised instruments. Antisocial men and gang members had high levels of sexual violence and multiple risk behaviours for sexually transmitted infections, childhood maltreatment and mental disorders, including addictions. Physical, sexual and emotional trauma were strongly associated with adult sexual behaviour and more prevalent among gang members. Other violent behaviour, psychiatric morbidity and addictions accounted for high-risk and compulsive sexual behaviours among gang members but not antisocial men. Gang members showed precursors before age 15 years of adult preference for coercive rather than consenting sexual behaviour. Gang members show inordinately high levels of childhood trauma and disadvantage, sexual and non-sexual violence, and psychiatric disorders, which are interrelated. The public health problem of sexual victimisation of affiliated women is explained by these findings. Healthcare professionals may have difficulties promoting desistance from adverse health-related behaviours among gang members whose multiple high-risk and violent sexual behaviours are associated with psychiatric morbidity, particularly addictions.

Restrained or constrained? Elections, communal conflicts, and variation in sexual violence

Anecdotal evidence suggests that sexual violence varies significantly across cases of election violence and communal conflicts but systematic research is scarce. Post-election violence is particularly likely if electoral mobilization further polarizes longstanding communal conflicts and political elites do not instruct security forces to intervene decisively. I comparatively analyse two prominent cases of post-election violence in Kenya (2007/8) and Nigeria (2008) that exhibit stark variation in sexual violence. Patrimonial networks and norms of violent masculinity that increase the probability of (gang) rape were present in both cases and do not explain variation. Civil war research has identified three explanations for the variation in sexual violence: situational constraints; ordered sexual violence or restraint; and bottom-up dynamics of sexual violence or restraint. I examine these for the context of post-election violence. I argue that the type of communal conflict triggered by electoral mobilization explains variation in sexual violence. In Kenya, pogroms of a majority group against a minority allowed for the time and space to perpetrate widespread sexual violence while in Nigeria, dyadic clashes between similarly strong groups offered less opportunity but produced a significantly higher death toll. These findings have important implications for preventing election violence. They demonstrate that civilian vulnerability is gendered and that high levels of sexual violence do not necessarily correspond to high levels of lethal violence. Ignoring sexual violence means underestimating the real intensity of conflict and its impact on the political process.

Intimate Partner Violence and the Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes of Women in Ghana.

Few studies have examined the relationships between intimate partner violence (IPV) and the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of women in sub-Saharan countries in general and Ghana specifically. This study began to fill the gap by investigating whether individual- and community-level IPV influenced unwanted pregnancy and pregnancy loss among women in Ghana. Nationally representative cross-sectional data were collected from 2,289 ever-married women, and multilevel modeling was used to estimate individual- and community-level effects. At the individual level, IPV was significantly associated with unwanted pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Women with experience of both physical and sexual violence were more likely to have reported an unwanted pregnancy and a pregnancy loss. However, only those experiencing sexual violence reported unwanted pregnancies. Similarly, community-level IPV was associated with sexual health outcomes. Respondents in communities with higher levels of sexual violence were significantly more likely to have had unwanted pregnancies. The findings corroborate calls for policy makers to consider IPV a reproductive health issue. They also emphasize the need to move beyond individual-level interventions to consider structural and community contexts when addressing the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of women in Ghana.

High rates of sexual violence by both intimate and non-intimate partners experienced by adolescent girls and young women in Kenya and Zambia: Findings around violence and other negative health outcomes.

BackgroundWhile links between intimate-partner violence (IPV) and HIV risk have been established, less is known about violence perpetrated by people other than intimate partners. In addition, much of the research on IPV has been conducted with adults, while relatively little is known about violence experienced by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). We examined experiences of sexual violence and associated sexual and mental health among AGYW in Kenya and Zambia.MethodsUsing cross-sectional surveys with women aged 15–24 years, we assessed experience of partner sexual violence among respondents who reported a boyfriend/husband in the last 12 months (Kenya N = 597; Zambia N = 426) and non-partner sexual violence among all respondents (Kenya N = 1778; Zambia N = 1915). We conducted logistic regression analyses to examine experiences of sexual violence and health outcomes.ResultsSexual violence from intimate partners over the last year was reported by 19.1 percent of AGYW respondents in Kenya and 22.2 percent in Zambia; sexual violence from non-partners was reported by 21.4 percent in Kenya and 16.9 percent in Zambia. Experience of sexual violence was associated with negative health outcomes. Violence from non-partners was associated with increased odds of STI symptoms and increased levels of anxiety and depression. Results were similar for violence from partners, although only significant in Kenya. While sexual violence from a non-partner was associated with increased HIV risk perception, it was not associated when the violence was experienced from an intimate partner.ConclusionsAGYW reported high levels of sexual violence from both intimate partners and non-partners. These experiences were associated with negative health outcomes, though there were some differences by country context. Strengthening sexual violence prevention programs, increasing sexual violence screening, and expanding the provision of post-violence care are needed to reduce intimate and non-partner violence and the effects of violence on AGYW.

Sexual Violence on Campus: Differences Across Gender and Sexual Minority Status

PurposeSexual violence is a pervasive problem on university campuses. Although previous work has documented greater vulnerability for sexual violence among sexual and gender minority students, little is known about contextual variation in vulnerability to this kind of violence. The goals of the current study were (1) to identify vulnerability among sexual and gender minority students with regard to sexual violence, and (2) to explore if the context of this violence differs across sexual and gender minority status. MethodsUndergraduate students (ages 18–24) from six francophone universities in Quebec, Canada (N = 4,264) completed online questionnaires regarding their experience of sexual violence, as well as the context of these acts (e.g., the gender of the perpetrator, the status of the perpetrator, and the location of the violence). They also provided information regarding their sexual and gender minority status. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to assess for variation in experiencing sexual violence across sexual and gender minority status. ResultsTransgender/nonbinary students generally reported higher levels of sexual violence than their cisgender peers, while variation occurred with regard to vulnerability across sexual identity subgroups. Few differences in context were observed across sexual minority identity. Transgender/nonbinary students were significantly more likely to report sexual violence in athletic contexts and during volunteering activities compared to their cisgender peers. ConclusionsFindings highlight the higher levels of vulnerability for sexual violence among gender minority and some sexual minority university students. They also point to the contexts in which such violence occurs, suggesting specific strategies for prevention.

Trafficking of Vietnamese women and girls for marriage in China

BackgroundBride-trafficking has been a growing phenomenon in Southeast Asia, particularly in China, where one-child policies have resulted in demographic imbalances favoring males. Yet, empirical evidence about women and girls sold into marriage in China remains sparse.MethodsThis study describes the experiences of 51 Vietnamese women and girls as young as 14 in post-trafficking services who were sold into marriage in China. A consecutive sample of individuals from five services in Vietnam were invited to be interviewed within the first 2 weeks of admission. It is part of a wider dataset for research on the health of men, women, and children in post-trafficking services in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, the largest study to date on human trafficking and health. We calculated proportions for all variables and conducted bivariate analyses using Fisher Exact Tests for their associations with mental health disorders symptoms.ResultsBefore leaving home, 31% (n = 15) participants were married. Participants reported high levels of sexual violence (n = 43; 86%) while trafficked and59% (n = 30) spent time in detention before returning to Vietnam. Once in post-trafficking care 52.9% (n = 27) reported probable depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), two women (4%) attempted suicide in the past month and 38 (75%) remained afraid of their trafficker. Ten (22%) became pregnant while trafficked, and seven (16%) were pregnant at the interview.ConclusionsThe cross-border bride trade between Vietnam and China raises complex policy issues, including questions about detention and immigration rights and strategies for supported return processes, including maternal and child health services. As the repercussions of China’s absent female population will persist, Vietnam and China must grapple with the political and social conditions to implement prevention strategies, and resources for women who fall prey to this cross-border bride trade.

Sexual violence, schooling and silence: teacher narratives from a secondary school in Ethiopia

Sexual violence is recognised as a public health and human rights problem worldwide. Although schools are expected to be safe places for young people and are envisaged as institutions that challenge social injustices, they are increasingly identified as sites where disproportionately high levels of sexual violence occurs. This study seeks to understand how sexual violence in schooling contexts is conceptualised and interrogated by teachers with a focus on lived experiences, the consequences and the underlying causes. The study is based on qualitative research conducted at a secondary school in Ethiopia. The findings point to overwhelming evidence that sexual violence pervades in secondary schools, with a wide range of adverse consequences on girls’ wellbeing and educational attainment. The study demonstrates how nature, culture and society are included in conceptual thinking about the causes of sexual violence and explores teachers’ agency in addressing the phenomenon.

Tackling sexual violence at UK universities: a case study

There has been international and national concern about the prevalence rates and impacts of sexual violence [Towl, G. J., and Crighton, D. A. (2016). The Emperor’s new clothes? The Psychologist, 29(3)]. In recent years this area has been brought into sharper focus in Higher Education. The film ‘The Hunting Ground’ shone a light on this area and particularly the inadequate responses of North American university administrations to the problem. The film has recently been shown widely at Australian universities and the same is the case in the UK. There have been concerns reported that university leaders are fearful of the perceived repetitional (and potentially financial) damage associated with high report rates of sexual violence. At Durham University the starting premise was a recognition that the problem of sexual violence is a societal problem and one that universities have an important role to play in addressing. In this paper I contest the premise that high levels of sexual violence reporting at universities will necessarily result in reputation damage. Indeed on the contrary this case study account makes a compelling case that the contrary is true. I argue that both the civic and educational responsibilities of universities are such that it is essential that such matters are addressed. This, ethically, is especially so in view of what we know about the under reporting of sexual violence and also the potential physical and mental health impacts. Much of the focus is on prevention. Contributions can be made to prevention, it is argued, through increased reporting and also potentially through bystander intervention initiatives and consent workshops. A key benefit of increased reporting is that if universities know there is a problem there is the opportunity to help. An underlying principle to policy and practice development in this challenging area is the empowerment of those with trust in us to make such reports.

Towards Reparative Transformation: Revisiting the Impact of Violence against Women in a Post-TRC South Africa

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) does not begin with conflict or political instability and end with a transition to peace or democracy. 1 The idea of transformation was central to key mechanisms that facilitated the transition to democracy in South Africa. The 1994 elections secured the immediate transition of political power. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the South African Constitutional Court were designed to execute the long-term objectives of political transition by addressing the destructive harm of apartheid and the gross imbalance of social and economic power. Drawing on empirical research undertaken in South Africa in 2015, against a backdrop of critically high levels of sexual violence, this article examines the consequences of the TRC’s failure to investigate the impact of sexual violence against women during apartheid on women in the post-TRC era. Invoking the voices of contemporary South Africans 20 years after the TRC delivered its findings, the article offers a retrospective analysis of the capacity of transformative institutions, such as the TRC and the Constitutional Court, to alter the conditions that enabled, and continue to underlie, this violence, and to prevent its repetition.

The gender mainstreaming gap: Security Council resolution 1325 and UN peacekeeping mandates

ABSTRACTIn response to women’s frequent marginalization in conflict settings, the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2000. It called for including a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations and for enhancing women’s participation in all aspects of post-conflict reconstruction. This article contributes to the empirical literature on the implementation of UNSCR 1325, examining the extent of gender mainstreaming in UN peacekeeping mandates. Situated in a theoretical framework of gradual norm cascades, it hypothesizes that UNSCR 1325 has increased gender content in mandates, but selectively so. Statistical analyses of an original dataset covering all 71 UN peacekeeping operations from 1948 until 2014 reveal that gender-mainstreamed mandates are more likely in conflicts with high levels of sexual violence. In designing gendered peacekeeping mandates, actors thus appear to be responsive to cues about the salience of a very visible, albeit narrow, gender issue emanating from the respective conflict rather than being guided by the universalist norms of women’s participation entrenched in UNSCR 1325.

The South African Constitution as Memory and Promise: An Exploration of Its Implications for Sexual Violence

ABSTRACTThis article considers the South African Constitution as a living text that founds the new democratic state and asks about its politics of memory. By its very nature, a constitution looks simultaneously backwards and forwards: the promise of the constitution cannot be understood separately from its memory of the apartheid past, and vice versa. The past continuously gets rewritten and reframed as we always reinterpret it anew in light of current concerns and power distributions. It is argued that these politics do not fade away but rather intensify as we move further away from the constitutional moment in time. Focusing on the urgent problem of on-going very high levels of sexual violence in South Africa, the article tries to capture the ways in which constitutional memory and promise function and should function in this respect. Two strategies of memory, namely the memorial and the monumental, are distinguished and applied to the constitutional promise to end sexual violence.