SARA E DAVIES, JACQUI TRUE, YOLANDA RIVEROS MORALES, PHYU PHYU OO, JOANA OSEI-TUTU AND RACHEL BANFIELD |
In the last two decades, the international community has increasingly focused on understanding and addressing conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Scholars have worked to illuminate the extent of this violence across various conflicts and regions. The new book The Dynamics of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence by Sara E Davies and colleagues explores SGBV across diverse conflict settings, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, over the past decade (2010–2020). It delves into how the intensity and type of violence shift during different phases of conflict. By using a mixed-method approach, the authors analyse patterns of violence in various contexts: one-sided violence, state-led violence, non-state-led violence, low-intensity violence, terrorism, and fragility.
Patterns and Responses
One of the book’s key contributions is its examination of how international and country-level responses have evolved in reaction to SGBV reports. It provides insight into the trajectory of international prevention efforts and the effectiveness of country-specific responses. The authors assess the conditions that impact the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms in real-time, considering both the patterns of violence and the structural root causes.
Key Insights
- Variation in violence: The intensity and type of SGBV can change significantly throughout different phases of conflict, influenced by factors such as the nature of the conflict and the actors involved.
- Inconsistent reporting: Reporting on SGBV varies across different conflicts and regions, affected by local, national, and international dynamics.
- Response mechanisms: The development of responses to SGBV is complex, with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the context and structural factors.
- Structural causes: Understanding the root causes of violence is crucial for developing effective prevention and response strategies.
Conclusion
“The Dynamics of Conflict-Related Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Comparing Impact Across Global Regions” provides a groundbreaking analysis of SGBV in conflict settings. By exploring different regions and conflict types, the book highlights the complexities of reporting and responding to SGBV. It underscores the need for context-specific approaches to effectively address and prevent sexual and gender-based violence in conflict zones. This work is a significant contribution to the field, offering essential insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working to combat SGBV globally.
Sara E Davies and Phyu Phyu Oo (Griffith Asia Institute and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)), Jacqui True (Monash University and CEVAW), Yolanda Riveros Morales, (International Women’s Development Agency), Joana Osei-Tutu and Rachel Banfield (PhD candidates).
