Gender-Based Violence in Southern Sudan: Justice for Women Long Overdue

Southern Sudan has a history of gender-based violence (GBV) during times of conflict and instability. GBV is any act of violence against women that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.

This study examines the extent and the sources of gender-based violence in Southern Sudan and analyzes the ability of GBV survivors to secure justice. During Sudan's second civil war, which ended in 2005, many women experienced rape, forced marriage, and abduction. The effects of Sudan's civil wars linger in Sudan and may contribute to instability in the period surrounding Southern Sudan's 2011 referendum.