El Impacto Psicológico de la Violencia Sexual en Conflictos Armados y el Papel del Derecho Internacional Humanitario en su Abordaje

AbstractThis article examines the current literature on sexual violence in armed conflicts, with a particular emphasis on its psychological impact and the response of international humanitarian law. Victims of sexual violence in these contexts demonstrate a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a consequence of exposure to extreme and repetitive trauma. PTSD is among the most common sequelae, and the experience of multiple forms of violence—sexual, physical, and psychological—intensifies the severity of the trauma, leading to a 'triple traumatic burden' that complicates recovery. Additionally, the utilization of sexual violence as a weapon of war is linked to a more severe and pervasive impact, exacerbating PTSD symptoms and further hindering recovery due to challenges related to sexual and reproductive health.