2 - Gender-Based Violence in the Camp and Beyond

Summary

Why and in what forms does gender-based violence occur against refugees in Kyaka II? Are only women affected, or do they also perpetrate violence? What about men suffering such violence? And, how is violence in the camp connected to the respective risks faced during conflict and flight? These are some of the key questions guiding the analysis in this chapter, with a particular focus on Uganda’s refugee camp Kyaka II. After outlining the gendered understanding of the Galtungian concept of violence used, the chapter explores the gender-based violence experienced first during conflict and flight then particularly during encampment. The chapter reveals complex issues arising from the level and intensity of violence witnessed in all three phases of conflict, flight, and encampment. Focusing on the situation in Kyaka II, the research reveals that women constitute the main group of victims; they on occasion also perpetrate violence too, however. Moreover, men and boys are exposed to particular forms of gender-based violence as well. By eventually linking the three phases of conflict, flight, and encampment, the chapter exposes a continuum of gender-based violence against both women and men of different age groups.