After the guns fall silent: Sexual and gender-based violence in Timor-Leste (TLAVA Issue Brief 5)

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a pervasive global phenomenon, but is oft en a politically sensitive and unacknowledged issue. It has serious consequences for the physical, reproductive, and psychological health and social well-being of individuals. It also refl ects and reinforces inequalities between men and women. SGBV is increasingly regarded as an impediment to the economic and social development of states.

After the guns fall silent: Sexual and gender-based violence in Timor-Leste considers the scale and magnitude of SGBV directed against women and girls in Timor-Leste. It considers the culture of impunity that pervades the country around SGBV and impedes progress on this issue; the lack of ‘enjoyment’ of human rights by women and girls due to SGBV; and the systematic failure of the security and justice system to tackle violations. Focusing on both the preand post-independence eras, it synthesizes the evidence to help identify entry points for the prevention and reduction of SGBV.

Also available in TETUM.

Have your say about Small Arms Survey publications and products: take 5 minutes to fill out our questionnaire.