Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Sexual violence remains commonplace in conflict settings and has a devastating impact on the physical and mental health of survivors. We built on previous research by the ICRC, examining local norms and values surrounding violence, by focusing on how young men and their communities perceive sexual violence and its prevention. The ICRC seeks to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, and has been present in South Sudan since 1980 and CAR since 1983.
METHODS
We carried out a qualitative study, including 79 interviews and 16 focus group discussions. Participants included purposively selected young men and women (aged 15-33 years); community leaders (such as chiefs, cattle herders, traditional court members and health-care providers), and key informants with expertise in the field of sexual violence. Sites in South Sudan (Unity and Lakes States) and CAR (Bangui) were chosen because of the ICRC’s ongoing presence and the availability of referral services if required. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in French, English, Sango, Arabic, Nuer, and Dinka, transcribed and translated before being coded and thematically analysed using NVivo. Informed consent/assent was obtained from all participants.
ETHICS
This study was approved by the ICRC Ethics Review Board, the Comité Ethique et Scientifique of the University of Bangui, CAR, and by the Institutional Review Board of the Ministry of Health, South Sudan.
RESULTS
Findings from both countries linked male perpetration of sexual violence with prolonged conflict and insecurity; the presence of weapons; a weak justice system and impunity; revenge and punishment, and strong gendered norms and ideas around masculinity. Some men believed that women were to blame because of their behaviour or clothing. Participants saw the need to engage young men and their communities in prevention activities, but few were able to reflect upon their potential individual role in this. Strong community values and a sense of male responsibility were present in all study sites, and involving male leaders was believed to be essential for prevention activities. Interviewees in both countries suggested that providing information about HIV could be an entry point to talking about sexual violence with potential perpetrators.
CONCLUSION
Studies on sexual violence often understandably focus on survivors, and this is the first time the ICRC has conducted qualitative research of this kind with young men. Results, including discussions around local norms of masculinity, will contribute to and serve to strengthen existing sensitisation sessions and dialogue on the prevention of sexual violence. Strengthening existing partnerships with other actors is also essential. Whilst we found that participants were willing to discuss sexual violence, some may have been uncomfortable sharing their thoughts with the research team.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
None declared.
