Participation as Principle and Tool in Social Reintegration: Young Mothers Formerly Associated with Armed Groups in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Northern Uganda

Long-Term Effects of Wartime Sexual Violence on Women and Families: The Case of Northern Uganda

“…In some cases, it also led to the dissolution of marriages (when the father did not agree with caring for his grandchildren born of war). Some of these findings are in line with previous studies that have shown that for women who return pregnant or with children, reestablishing relationships with families and communities is a complicated process (Veale et al, 2013). Studies from northern Uganda have shown that formerly abducted young mothers mediate the social integration of their children conceived of forced marriage by engaging in strategies to support and foster their well-being and social relationships (Shanahan & Veale, 2016;Veale & Stavrou, 2007).…”

“…These findings imply that women who were abducted by rebel forces may be more prone to facing compounded stigma due to people's views towards former abductees. This is consistent with previous studies that have shown that for women who return from abduction, especially with children born in captivity, re-establishing relationships with family and communities is a difficult process (Veale et al, 2013). In terms of intimate partnerships, most participants revealed that their relationships were challenging, and were exacerbated when they entered these unions with children born in captivity.…”

The Intergenerational Legacy of Genocidal Rape: The Realities and Perspectives of Children Born of the Rwandan Genocide Against the Tutsi

“…Mass rape was strategically employed as a tactic of genocide and ethnic cleansing (Sharlach, 2000). These violations served to not only undermine each individual women's or girls' humanity and dignity, but also functioned to denigrate the broader communities of which these women were a part (Veale, McKay, Worthen, & Wessells, 2013;Weitsman, 2008).…”

Children of Former Child Soldiers and Never-Conscripted Civilians: A Preliminary Intergenerational Study in Burundi

“…This could be associated with the majority of FCS parents reporting feeling stigma from the community. Stigma can be a major issue for child soldiers trying to reintegrate into their communities, who might be feared and marginalized by the community (Betancourt, Agnew-Blias, et al, 2010;Dickson-Gomez, 2002;Dowdney, 2007;Specht & Attree, 2006;Veale, McKay, Worthen, & Wessells, 2013;Wessells, 2006). For girl soldiers, stigma might be increased for those survivors of gender-based violence or those who have children as a product of rape (Coulter, Persson, & Utas, 2008;Mazurana & McKay, 2003).…”