‘Eating Tears’. Sexual Violence and Post-Conflict Justice in Peru

Jelke Boesten
King’s College London
‘Eating Tears’. Sexual Violence and Post-Conflict Justice in Peru

The Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded that sexual violence of mainly indigenous women during the conflict between Shining Path and the military (1980-2000) was systematic and widespread. Was rape used as a weapon of war, and if so, what does that say about the conflict? Up to what point do victim and perpetrator profiles reflect existing inequalities in Peruvian society? How do victim-survivors deal with the legacies of violence? What does it mean if there is no accountability? Examining testimonies and legal cases, this presentation will address some of these questions.