Intergenerational trauma and legal injustice for women and girls in post-conflict settings

Abstract

This study investigates the enduring and intergenerational trauma experienced by women and children who have survived war crimes, with particular focus on sexual violence. It examines how unresolved trauma coupled with systemic displacement and institutional shortcomings sustains cycles of vulnerability and impedes reconciliation efforts long after conflict ends. The central research question explores how psychological harm and legal inadequacies interact to shape the post-conflict realities of survivors and their descendants. Guided by Judith Herman’s trauma theory, the study employs a qualitative, library-based methodology, relying on both primary and secondary legal sources to interrogate international humanitarian law’s response to war-related sexual violence. It critically assesses the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in addressing trauma transmission, delivering justice, and supporting recovery. The study finds that although international legal instruments provide mechanisms for prosecuting war crimes, they often neglect the psychosocial needs of survivors. Key challenges include gender-insensitive reparations, poor implementation of justice measures, and the lack of trauma-informed care. These shortcomings hinder the healing process and prolong intergenerational suffering. By centering the experiences of women and children, this research highlights the need for transitional justice systems that are not only legally robust but also responsive to the emotional and psychological needs of survivors. It advocates for comprehensive institutional reforms that embed gender sensitivity and trauma awareness into post-conflict recovery efforts. Ultimately, the study contributes to ongoing debates on human rights, justice, and the long-term consequences of conflict on vulnerable populations.