Bridging the Gap Between the Reality of Male Sexual Violence and Access to Justice and Accountability

The limited accountability achieved to date for sexual violence in conflict has largely reflected one specific form: the rape of women and girls. Investigation, prosecution and convictions for other forms of sexual violence have lagged behind significantly. This is the case for sexual violence against men and boys. Using detailed data from over 130 expert medical reports of Syrian male former detainees, the article contrasts known typology of male sexual violence in conflict with penal codes and case law across a range of jurisdictions. It also considers the broader challenges for access to justice, reparation and recovery for such victims and survivors of these crimes. The article then turns to examine how these gaps might be bridged to provide better access and outcomes for justice to male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. It explores a local Syrian interdisciplinary approach using medical expert documentation which has opened up investigation and awareness of male sexual violence. Lastly, it sets out concluding recommendations for approaching male sexual violence in national investigations and prosecutions.