Social Constructions of Masculinity and Male Survivors of Wartime Sexual Violence: an Analytical Review

Citation:

Onyango, Monica Adhiambo, and Karen Hampanda. 2011. “Social Constructions of Masculinity and Male Survivors of Wartime Sexual Violence: An Analytical Review.” International Journal of Sexual Health 23 (4): 237–47. doi:10.1080/19317611.2011.608415.

Authors: Monica Adhiambo Onyango, Karen Hampanda

Abstract:

Male sexual violence has been reported in 25 armed conflicts in recent years. However, communities and organizations are not equipped to deal with male survivors of sexual violence because it undermines the ideals of social constructions of masculinity. Compared with females, male survivors lack access to reproductive health programs and are generally ignored in gender-based violence discourse. Yet, male survivors are known to suffer from numerous physical injuries and psychosocial disorders. In this review, we call for a move beyond the paradigm of female-only sexual violence victims and for programs that address both male and female survivors.

Topics: Armed Conflict, Gender, Men, Masculinity/ies, Gender-Based Violence, Health, Reproductive Health, Sexual Violence, SV against Men

Year: 2011