In Plain Sight – Exploring the Field of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict

This volume examines wartime sexual violence through an interdisciplinary lens, highlighting key relationships and knowledge gaps. Contributors emphasize the importance of women's voices in addressing this urgent global issue.

In Plain Sight – Exploring the Field of Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict delves into the pervasive issue of sexual violence during both wartime and peacetime, highlighting the inadequacies in current prevention efforts. Compiled by the international research group Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict, this volume adopts an interdisciplinary lens to examine the complexities surrounding wartime sexual violence. The authors explore four critical relationships: war and power, violence and sexuality, gender and engendering, and visibility and invisibility, aiming to fill gaps in existing knowledge and foster a more nuanced understanding of the topic.

Through a collection of essays, reflections, and dialogues, the contributors illustrate the multifaceted nature of sexual violence, emphasizing its polymorphic and heterogeneous characteristics. They argue that women's activism and research play a vital role in bringing attention to this issue, framing it as a man-made phenomenon influenced by cultural, social, and historical contexts. By doing so, the authors underscore the importance of acknowledging these factors in order to address the root causes of sexual violence effectively.

Ultimately, the book makes a compelling case for the urgency of tackling sexual violence in armed conflict. It advocates for the necessity of listening to the voices of women affected by such violence, as their experiences and insights are crucial for understanding and combating this global crisis. The contributors collectively call for a concerted effort to confront sexual violence, emphasizing that meaningful change can only occur through a comprehensive understanding of the issue and a commitment to addressing its underlying causes.