The CRSV Observatory

Documenting Cases of Conflict-Related and Large-Scale Systematic Sexual Violence

The CRSV Observatory is intended to document and hold memories of conflict-related and large-scale sexual violence without reducing it to a function of the patriarchy alone. No instance of conflict-related and large-scale sexual violence has taken place in isolation of other factors – ethnic tensions, racial tensions, colonialism, economic discrimination, and much more have always either enabled such violence or have been the basis on which gender-based violence has been enacted. Drawing on lessons learned from the works of Vasuki Nesiah on International Conflict Feminism, this observatory strives to go beyond the oversimplified construction of conflict zones and recognizes the interconnectedness of any and all forms of sexual and gender-based violence with other forms of oppression, including but not limited to colonialism, militarism, racism, casteism, and economic violence among other things. Accordingly, in presenting these case histories, a careful attempt has been made to understand sexual and gender-based violence in connection with other forms of oppression and violence. As an imperfect initiative, no case study is free of its own imperfections. Readers are invited to share additional resources to enhance the cases documented.