How Sexual Violence Spurs Wartime Assistance: Civilian Action in Ukraine

• In Event: Gender and Political Violence

Abstract

How do civilians react to local reports of sexual violence during war? Does exposure to sexual violence affect both men and women's patterns of wartime mobilization? I argue that secondary exposure -- or hearing about -- sexual violence mobilizes civilians by igniting righteous anger whilst heightening fear. With 450 interviews in Ukraine, I observe whether individuals that heard of local sexual violence during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine offered more assistance to government forces than individuals who heard of (1) non-sexual violence and (2) no violence. I find that hearing about local sexual violence is associated with greater wartime assistance to government forces, while hearing of local non-sexual violence is not. This study contributes to research agendas exploring the tactical consequences of sexual violence, how emotions shape patterns of mobilization, and the role of civilians in war.

Author

• Taylor Jane Damann, Washington University in St. Louis