Wartime Sexual Violence: Recent Research Findings and Implications
According to the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), despite significant advances in policies to address conflict-related sexual violence, it continues to occur in conflicts around the world, sometimes on a massive scale.
A recent report, The Missing Peace Series: Understanding Conflict-related Sexual Violence through Research, Policy and Practice by Dara Kay Cohen and Elisabeth J. Wood (2025), reviews recent research on conflict-related sexual violence, noting advances and emergent themes, as well as gaps and opportunities.
Sexual violence is not inevitable during war, as it varies across armed actors.
Key findings include the recognition that conflict-related sexual violence is not an inevitable consequence of war, but rather a variable aspect of armed conflict.
- Recent research highlights advances and emergent themes in understanding conflict-related sexual violence.
- Gaps and opportunities for further research and policy development are identified.
Author's summary: Wartime sexual violence remains a significant issue despite policy advances.