Sexual violence in wartime is not a new issue and is not limited to one geographical region, time period or conflict. Sexual violence is commonly used in war because it is an effective way in which to exert control and domination. Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege is a timely acknowledgement of an issue that will not go away.
Women and girls are overwhelmingly the victims of sexual violence and rape during a conflict and their gender and sexuality are used as a weapon against them. Yet, men and boys can also be victims of sexual violence in ways that manipulate their sexual and gender identities. Our pilot Anna Gopsill wrote a blog post arguing that there is a fundamental lack of understanding of what constitutes sexual violence against men or even a recognition that men can be victims of sexual violence.