Male directed sexual violence in conflict: A challenge for gender studies

Abstract

In recent years, extensive empirical data has indicated that acts of severe sexual assault are being perpetrated against large numbers of men in many areas of conflict around the world. This paper conducted an extensive review of relevant literature to evaluate levels of recognition of male victims. The review indicates that recognition of this problem within gender studies remains limited. This is due to many reasons including the opposition of a variety of feminism that is reluctant to acknowledge male victimhood. Masculinities studies may play a key role in developing a theory of sexual violence which encompasses all victims. “Inclusive feminism” is enriched and complemented by a focus on male survivors and on the gendered power relations that operate among men.