Author: Gavan Patrick Gray, Department of Policy Studies, 津田塾大学 (Tsuda University)- Google Scholar, ResearchGate

Abstract: »Conflict-based sexual violence refers to the additional layer of complexity that exists regarding coerced sexual acts that occur within the chaos, disorder, and militarisation of conflict zones. Frequently, the political factors that permeate such conflicts will make these sensitive crimes even more difficult to investigate. Narratives of reflexive patriotism or deliberate propaganda which lionise one side of a conflict or demonise another, can lead to the issue becoming a tool in propaganda campaigns between opposing sides. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, conflict-based sexual violence has been presented in Western media as a crime specific to Russian forces. While almost certainly true in some cases, several factors suggest that the issue has become politicised in a manner which prioritises political narratives over the protection of vulnerable women. This paper argues that enough evidence of such politicisation exists to warrant a change in how the relevant international agencies and the mass media approach the issue, with a higher standard of neutral assessment being required to advance the welfare of women in the conflict zone.« (Source: The Hestia Review)

Contents:

	Abstract (p. 23)
	Introduction (p. 24)
	A Brief History of Atrocity Propaganda (p. 24)
	The Reality of Conflict-Based Sexual Violence (p. 24)
	The Case of Ukraine (p. 25)
	The Claims against Russia (p. 26)
	The Evidence against Russia (p. 27)
	The Purpose of Politicising Sexual Violence (p. 29)
	The Harmful Impact of the Politicisation of Sexual Violence (p. 30)
	In Closing (p. 31)
	References (p. 33)

Wikipedia: History of Europe: History of Russia / History of the Russian Federation | History of Europe: History of Ukraine / Modern history of Ukraine | Public opinion: Propaganda / Ukrainian propaganda during Russian invasion of Ukraine | Sex and the law: Rape / Wartime sexual violence | War: Russo-Ukrainian War / Sexual violence in the Russian invasion of Ukraine