Exploring dimensions of sexual issues in disasters and conflicts: The need to bridge the gaps between policy and practice
Type de matériel :
54
Background — Disasters and conflicts are becoming more severe in nature over the decades. While various efforts are being made regarding disaster management, the sexual issues arising from disasters are often not understood, explored, or discussed with the intention of ensuring adequate interventions. Methods — This qualitative study is based on systematic observations and documentation from different disaster management programs carried out between 2001 and 2020 involving a number of survivors (at least 100 families per disaster) across India. A community-based participatory research approach was adopted in order to collect information and document this information as part of daily, weekly, and monthly reports. Using a number of interactions and systematic documentation of interventions, personal bias and social barriers were neutralized to bring about constructive and conclusive understanding. Results — A number of sexual and reproductive health issues exist among women, girls, boys, and men, which often lead to multiple coercive sexual relationships and high-risk sexual behavior that results in exploitation and abuse. Sexual rights are severely compromised during emergencies and conflicts, which often leads to multiple coercive sexual relationships and high-risk sexual behavior that results in exploitation and abuse. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed a number of sexual difficulties and increased sexual activity over virtual platforms. Conclusion — The protection of sexual rights and prevention of sexual violence among survivors of disasters are essential factors in rehabilitation and recovery. Policies on disaster management have no clear focus for addressing these issues with effective measures. Considering the wide array of sexual issues, recommendations for disaster management should be shaped to promote the sexual well-being of survivors.
Réseaux sociaux