Using the construct of social suffering, we analyze the practice of rape warfare. Material drawn from the Bosnian Civil War of 1992-1995 is featured. Social suffering is shown to bridge three themes essential to the study of this practice-- health, human rights, and post-conflict development. The relationship between structural violence, which underpins rape warfare, and social suffering is demonstrated. From our perspective, society as a whole mirrors this suffering even more than do individuals. Social healing is introduced as an alternative kind of treatment paradigm for victims.
Vol.26_No.2_2006_Almairac et al_137-148.pdf