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Introduction <p>War has a profound impact on women, leading to gang rape, sexual violence, and the deliberate destruction of healthcare facilities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of socially isolated survivors of sexual assault during the war in North Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was used to achieve the study’s objectives. Study participants were recruited using purposive sampling. A total of 25 participants were involved. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews. The data were transcribed, coded, organized, and then analyzed and interpreted using thematic analysis.</p> Results <p>The results of this study reveal that socially isolated women who survived sexual assault during wartime often experienced abuse, segregation, and demoralization. Furthermore, these survivors faced significant psychological and social challenges, including feelings of helplessness, isolation, loss of dignity, and diminished self-confidence. Coping strategies identified by the participants included placing trust in God, seeking guidance from religious leaders, sharing their experiences with friends, elders, and experts, and participating in coffee ceremonies as a means of communal support.</p> Conclusion <p>The trauma of war-related sexual violence has led to significant psychological, physical, and health impacts. Survivors report high levels of isolation, degradation, and mistreatment. Given service disruptions, international support is crucial, and adopting successful approaches from other countries is recommended. Comprehensive rehabilitation services from governmental and non-governmental agencies are essential for supporting these vulnerable individuals.</p>

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“The unheard adversity”: the lived experiences of socially isolated survivors of wartime sexual assault

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月22日

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  • Sentayehu Oljira Bekele,
  • Ashenafi Kibret Sendekie,
  • Mengesha Shumet Dessalegn,
  • Mohammed Aragaw Abera,
  • Alechew Assefa Sete,
  • Deriba Bekele Bedada,
  • Sindew Asmare Wedi,
  • Biruk Beletew Abate

摘要

Introduction

War has a profound impact on women, leading to gang rape, sexual violence, and the deliberate destruction of healthcare facilities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of socially isolated survivors of sexual assault during the war in North Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia.

Methods

A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was used to achieve the study’s objectives. Study participants were recruited using purposive sampling. A total of 25 participants were involved. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews. The data were transcribed, coded, organized, and then analyzed and interpreted using thematic analysis.

Results

The results of this study reveal that socially isolated women who survived sexual assault during wartime often experienced abuse, segregation, and demoralization. Furthermore, these survivors faced significant psychological and social challenges, including feelings of helplessness, isolation, loss of dignity, and diminished self-confidence. Coping strategies identified by the participants included placing trust in God, seeking guidance from religious leaders, sharing their experiences with friends, elders, and experts, and participating in coffee ceremonies as a means of communal support.

Conclusion

The trauma of war-related sexual violence has led to significant psychological, physical, and health impacts. Survivors report high levels of isolation, degradation, and mistreatment. Given service disruptions, international support is crucial, and adopting successful approaches from other countries is recommended. Comprehensive rehabilitation services from governmental and non-governmental agencies are essential for supporting these vulnerable individuals.