Restoring Sexual Dignity: Sexual Violence, Human Dignity and Transitional Justice in Colombia

Abstract

This article explores the role of human dignity in shaping policies and advocacy efforts, particularly in recognizing and addressing the harm caused by sexual violence against victims of Colombia’s armed conflict. It focuses on women who have experienced sexual and reproductive violence, using the concept of sexual dignity to examine the mechanisms employed in Colombia’s transitional justice process. The analysis draws on interviews, reports from the Truth Commission, the Historical Memory Group, laws and reports by victims’ organizations, applying a binary model of “dignity takings” and “dignity restoration”. The article proposes that policies for addressing the needs of victims of sexual violence should consider the multiple forms of dignity takings and dignity restoration experienced by victims. The article proposes a model with four binaries: body violation/body autonomy; lack of control over the future/control over the future; denial of the past/authorship of one’s narrative; and shame/honour. It also addresses other forms of dignification, such as spiritual healing and community-building.