Book Description

The originality of this book rests in the application of the human security framework to analyze sexual and gender-based violence in conflict. The human security paradigm is concerned and centered on the individual's security threats holistically and is inclusive of both men and women in its agenda. The author argues that making a balanced narrative of sexual violence that includes both men and women as both victims and perpetrators could be a more effective means of preventing conflict-related sexual violence than when men are excluded. Another positive feature of the book rests in its analysis of the plights of victims and survivors of sexual violence during conflict and post-conflict situations. The author describes the devastating emotional and traumatic pain, the psychological agony, the health problems, stigmatization, and impoverishment that sexual violence causes victims and survivors. Moving beyond victims and survivors, the book also examines perpetrators of sexual violence and the questionable part played by a range of social actors. This book has taken on the challenge of interdisciplinary studies that draws upon and integrates evidence and concepts from peace and conflict studies, gender studies, law and human rights as well as sociology and psychology to offer a balanced and elucidatory narrative of the occurrence, perpetrations, impacts, as well as responses and actions required of the international community. It makes a convincing argument that sexual violence in conflict is prevalent and persistent, and that it is a global threat to human security. The subject matter is timely and the author's writing style is easy to follow without taking down the reader, making this book a suitable reading for students, academics as well as practitioners. REVIEWS and WORDS OF PRAISE Rev. Abara has produced a critically reflective and thought-provoking text documenting how and when sexual violence is used as a strategic weapon of war and poses a real threat to global security. This is an important book in ensuring that the mental, physical and economic health and diversity of the victims of sexual violence in conflict are central to developments in human security. --Professor Amanda J. Broderick, Vice-Chancellor & President, University of East London, UK Francis has taken on the challenge of writing an interdisciplinary book that draws upon and integrates evidence and concepts from peace and conflict studies, gender studies, law and human rights as well as sociology and psychology to offer a balanced and elucidatory narrative of the occurrence, perpetrations, impacts, as well as responses and actions required of the international community. --Professor Giorgia Donà, Co-director of the Centre for Migration, Refugees and Belonging, University of East London A highly relevant book that underlines contemporary issues facing the world today. In a clear and easy to follow style, the author provides a brilliantly insightful engagement in this complex topic. --Professor Wilson Ozuem, Arden University, UK Rev Francis Abara provides a fresh and comprehensive analysis into one of the greatest afflictions of our times - sexual violence in conflict. The horrific, long-term effects of the physical, emotional, economic, social and mental damage of sexual violence are laid bare. Importantly this book takes a gender inclusive approach and analyses the victimization of both women and men. --Dr Edna Maeyen Solomon, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Greenwich, London This book comprehensively presents a systematic analysis of sexual violence in conflict as a threat to global security which Rev. Abara has drawn from a wide range of sources and synthesized into cogent, coherent, and urgent arguments of global importance. Remarkably, this book is distinctive because it is devoid of prolixity and rhetoric but plainly expresses the social and political upheavals within which sexual violence is unleashed. --Dr Moses Itene, Doctor of International Law and Jurisprudence, University of Huddersfield