A survivor-centric policy framework for the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence

The paper outlines a comprehensive framework to prevent conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) by integrating survivor-centric and trauma-informed approaches. It advocates for a multisectoral strategy that spans primary prevention (stopping occurrence), secondary prevention (preventing escalation), and tertiary prevention (addressing long-term harm and accountability). The author emphasizes the need for intersectional analysis, local community engagement, and the alignment of policies with the lived realities of survivors across diverse identities.

• The framework adopts a public health model of prevention divided into three levels: primary prevention to stop violence from occurring, secondary prevention to prevent the continuation or escalation of violence and mitigate short-term impacts, and tertiary prevention to prevent further harms and provide long-term redress.
• A survivor-centric approach prioritizes the rights, needs, and wishes of survivors in the design and implementation of policies, procedures, and broad responses to ensure dignity and respect while reducing the risk of re-traumatization.
• Effective prevention requires an intersectional approach that considers how diverse identities—including sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, race, ethnicity, and displacement status—relate to conflict-related sexual violence.
• Primary prevention strategies should include community-based programs to change patriarchal norms and gender inequalities, awareness-raising activities, risk mitigation (such as armed accompaniment), and the implementation of early warning systems to forecast risks.
• Secondary prevention focuses on providing high-quality, holistic, and survivor-centered services, including medical care and mental health and psychosocial support, while establishing safe environments for reporting and documentation.
• Tertiary prevention emphasizes accountability and long-term support, including the prosecution of perpetrators for deterrence, the development of survivor-centered legal protections, and the inclusion of CRSV in ceasefire and peace agreements.
• The author identifies significant gaps in current policy, including the 'siloing' of policies across priority areas and a disconnect between evidence-based research and the policies pursued by decision-makers.
• Security sector reform is highlighted as a preventive tool, provided it addresses gender inequality and recognizes that security actors themselves may be perpetrators, necessitating specific accountability mechanisms.

APA

Ladue, M. (2026). A survivor-centric policy framework for the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence. Peace Research Institute Oslo. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/c847a7d9-d757-49b3-9e7e-de49b3dd06f9/MPI Paper 14_Ladue_Final.pdf?inline=true

Chicago

Ladue, Mikaylah. A survivor-centric policy framework for the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence. Peace Research Institute Oslo, 2026. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/c847a7d9-d757-49b3-9e7e-de49b3dd06f9/MPI Paper 14_Ladue_Final.pdf?inline=true.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ladue |first1=Mikaylah |title=A survivor-centric policy framework for the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence |publisher=Peace Research Institute Oslo |date=July 2026 |url=https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/c847a7d9-d757-49b3-9e7e-de49b3dd06f9/MPI Paper 14_Ladue_Final.pdf?inline=true |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ladue2026survivorcentric, author = {Ladue, Mikaylah}, title = {{A survivor-centric policy framework for the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence}}, institution = {Peace Research Institute Oslo}, year = {2026}, month = jul, url = {https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/c847a7d9-d757-49b3-9e7e-de49b3dd06f9/MPI Paper 14_Ladue_Final.pdf?inline=true}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }