2023 Theses Master's

Justice On Our Terms: Introducing Movement Services To Spark Collective Mobilization Among Survivors Of Wartime Sexual Violence

Steinman-Gordon, Sophie

Survivors of wartime sexual violence have a unique set of needs, as compared to other victims of violence, post-conflict. Despite the prevalence of sexual violence in wartime, existing transitional justice mechanisms, particularly court systems and truth commissions, have done a poor job of addressing these needs. This status quo must be addressed, and yet survivors of sexual violence rarely have the political power required to influence the design and mandates of transitional justice mechanisms.

This study introduces movement services (direct services which “reflect and advance” a movement’s ideology, mission or organizational structure) and worker centers, small organizations in the United States which organize workers in the informal economy. Through interviews with employees at worker centers around the country, this study explores how these organizations use movement services. By introducing power-building tools, fostering critical analysis, and emphasizing agency throughout their direct services, worker centers encourage collective mobilization among a highly marginalized population.

This study argues that this model can and should be adopted by the existing network of direct service providers serving survivors of wartime sexual violence in post-conflict environments. Equipped with the skills this model provides, survivors of wartime sexual violence have a better chance of influencing transitional justice mechanisms and obtaining justice.