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Suffering in Silence? The Silencing of Sexual Violence Against Men in War Torn Countries

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World Suffering and Quality of Life

Part of the book series: Social Indicators Research Series ((SINS,volume 56))

Abstract

The suffering induced by sexual violence against men and boys in conflict zones has not yet been the focus of many studies, and can be explained by several reasons. Research on sexual violence during conflicts focuses mainly on girls and women, who make up the great majority of victims of such types of violence. “Rape as a weapon of war” has almost become synonymous with sexual violence against girls and women during conflicts. Since men are generally seen as the perpetrators of such atrocities, it can be difficult and confusing to conceptualize them as victims. This type of sexual violence stands in contrast with common narratives on war and suffering. It seems that speaking about sexual violence against men would somehow undermine policies and programs designed to fight rape of women during wartime by demonstrating that women are not the only victims – and might even also be perpetrators – of sexual violence. Sexual violence against men and boys is a taboo issue, especially in countries where male-on-male rape is confused with homosexuality. As a consequence, victims fear stigmatization, and would rather not speak about it at all. This contribution explores what triggers such a silencing, as well as its consequences at the political, social, and cultural levels.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Interview, Bujumbura, Burundi, 03 May 2011.

  2. 2.

    Interview, Bujumbura, Burundi, 04 May 2011.

  3. 3.

    Interview, Panzi Hospital, Bukavu, South Kivu, DRC, 30 April 2012.

  4. 4.

    Interview, Bujumbura, Burundi, 12 May 2012.

  5. 5.

    Interview, Bujumbura, Burundi, 25 April 2012.

  6. 6.

    Interview, Bujumbura, 25 April 2012.

  7. 7.

    Interview, FOMULAC Hospital, Katana, South Kivu, DRC, 29 April 2012.

  8. 8.

    Jean-Claude, interviewed in Bujumbura, Burundi, 04 May 2011.

  9. 9.

    Jean-Baptiste, interviewed in Bujumbura, Burundi, 05 May 2011.

  10. 10.

    Aimable, interviewed in Bubanza Province, Burundi, 18 April 2010.

  11. 11.

    This was mentioned to me by an interviewee from the International Rescue Committee (Bujumbura, Burundi, 12 May 2012) as well as by another working for Caritas International (Goma, North Kivu, DRC, 03 May 2009).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Conflict Analysis Research Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK

    Élise Féron

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  1. Élise Féron
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Correspondence to Élise Féron .

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  1. Department of Sociology, Emeritus Faculty of Sociology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    Ronald E. Anderson

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Féron, É. (2015). Suffering in Silence? The Silencing of Sexual Violence Against Men in War Torn Countries. In: Anderson, R. (eds) World Suffering and Quality of Life. Social Indicators Research Series, vol 56. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9670-5_2

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