Prevalence of War-Related Sexual Violence and Other Human Rights Abuses Among Internally Displaced Persons in Sierra Leone

Amowitz, Lynn L.; Reis, Chen; Lyons, Kristina Hare; Vann, Beth; Mansaray, B; Akinsulure-Smith, Adyinka M.; Taylor, Louise; Iacopino, Vincent

doi:10.1001/jama.287.4.513

Cited by 181 publications

(142 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…However, the higher HIV prevalence detected among female IDP in this survey underscores a potential for increased transmission among women in the context of displacement in the DRC. Potential contributing factors to higher prevalence observed in female IDP compared to females in the river population may include population movement from higher prevalence areas from which IDP originate to lower prevalence host communities, sexual mixing and unprotected sex between IDP and new social networks in host communities, and increased HIV transmission through conflictrelated sexual violence towards female IDP (Amowitz et al 2002;Mock et al 2004;Spiegel 2004;Spiegel et al 2007). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

HIV Infection Among Internally Displaced Women and Women Residing in River Populations Along the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo

et al. 2009

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We conducted a reproductive health assessment among women aged 15-49 years residing in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp and surrounding river populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After providing informed consent, participants were administered a behavioral questionnaire on demographics, sexual risk, reproductive health behavior, and a history of gender based violence. Participants provided a blood specimen for HIV and syphilis testing and were referred to HIV counseling and testing services established for this study to learn their HIV status. HIV prevalence was significantly higher among women in the IDP population compared to women in the river population. Sexually transmitted infection symptoms in the past 12 months and a history of sexual violence during the conflict were associated with HIV infection the river and IDP population, respectively. Targeted prevention, care, and treatment services are urgently needed for the IDP population and surrounding host communities during displacement and resettlement.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

HIV Infection Among Internally Displaced Women and Women Residing in River Populations Along the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo

et al. 2009

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“…More recently, researchers have sought to combine health surveys with crime victimization surveys developed in the field of criminology to also ask about perpetrators. 48,49,50,51 …”

Section: Estimating Mass Rape Using Hospital Records In the Former Yumentioning

confidence: 99%

Documenting Mass Rape: Medical Evidence Collection Techniques as Humanitarian Technology

Morse¹

2014

GSP

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Abstract.Aim: Emerging global networks of human rights activists, doctors, and nurses have advocated for increased collection of medical evidence in conflict-affected countries to corroborate allegations of sexual violence and facilitate prosecution in international and domestic courts. Such initiatives are part of broader shifts in human rights advocacy to document human rights violations using rigorous, standardized methodologies. In this paper, I consider three principal forms of medical evidence to document sexual violence and their use in these settings: the patient medical record, the medical certificate, and the sexual assault medical forensic exam (commonly known as the "rape kit"). Methods

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“…Furthermore, there are often signifi cant delays to seeking medical care, far beyond the recommended 72 hours, thus rendering prophylactic medical interventions almost useless. 3,4 The article by Buard et al in this issue of Public Health Action on the characteristics, management and outcomes of survivors of gender-based violence in Nairobi, describes the successful implementation of a comprehensive medical program for survivors of SGBV. 5 The demographics of the sexual violence survivors presenting to their program were similar to those described by other providers in Kenya.…”

Section: Interna Onal Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseasementioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual and gender-based violence [Editorial]

Bartels¹

2013

public health action

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likely contributed to it being well known within the community.Within the SGBV program offered by Buard et al., there was good uptake of HIV PEP, prophylactic antibiotics and emergency contraception, similar to reports by others. 6 Although the attrition rates for subsequent hepatitis B and tetanus vaccination were high, they are within the realm of what might be expected given the setting and context. The authors make reasonable recommendations for addressing this high attrition, including digital tracking or reminders using mobile phones.Buard et al. are to be commended for the high quality medical services they are providing to survivors of SGBV in Nairobi, and their program should serve as a model for other programs in similar urban settings. In circumstances where a survivor has been violated (often by someone known to him/her) and in the context of a judicial system that often fails the survivor either by re-traumatization and/or by failure to bring the perpetrator to justice, it is important that the health care system do right by these individuals by offering the best possible protection for their current and future health. S exual and gender-based violence (SGBV) continues to be a pervasive problem for women, men and children around the world. Many survivors are understandably concerned about the potential health sequelae of being sexually assaulted, primarily about unwanted pregnancies and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV). There has been much emphasis on prompt referral to medical care, as it has been shown that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for STIs and HIV as well as emergency contraception are signifi cantly more likely to be effective if taken within the fi rst 72 hours following the assault. 1 Historically, provision of post-assault care has been challenging in developing countries such as Kenya. 2 Survivors may not be aware of the benefi ts of early medical care, post-assault medical protocols may not be in widespread use, confi dentially may be poorly maintained and the required medicines may not be available at local clinics. Furthermore, there are often signifi cant delays to seeking medical care, far beyond the recommended 72 hours, thus rendering prophylactic medical interventions almost useless. 3,4 The article by Buard et al. in this issue of Public Health Action on the characteristics, management and outcomes of survivors of gender-based violence in Nairobi, describes the successful implementation of a comprehensive medical program for survivors of SGBV. 5 The demographics of the sexual violence survivors presenting to their program were similar to those described by other providers in Kenya. 6 In the program by Buard et al., many of the barriers to high quality post-assault medical care were overcome. Because it was an urban setting, lengthy travel times to access medical care were not a problem and, in fact, almost three quarters of the survivors sought medical attention within the recommended 72 hours. Being op...

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Prevalence of War-Related Sexual Violence and Other Human Rights Abuses Among Internally Displaced Persons in Sierra Leone

Abstract: Sexual violence committed by combatants in Sierra Leone was widespread and was perpetrated in the context of a high level of human rights abuses against the civilian population.

Cited by 181 publications

References 13 publications

HIV Infection Among Internally Displaced Women and Women Residing in River Populations Along the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo

HIV Infection Among Internally Displaced Women and Women Residing in River Populations Along the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo

Documenting Mass Rape: Medical Evidence Collection Techniques as Humanitarian Technology

Sexual and gender-based violence [Editorial]

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