Perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence

This paper synthesizes the growing body of research on perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence, emphasizing the central role of armed organizations in shaping patterns of abuse. While individual motivations matter, the evidence consistently shows that the particular armed organization to which someone belongs and the group dynamics within such organizations are the most powerful predictors of who becomes a perpetrator. Drawing on large-N datasets such as SVAC and ACLED alongside case based insights, the paper demonstrates that conflict-related sexual violence is perpetrated by a wide range of actors, including state militaries, rebel groups and militias, with variation across regions and over time. Contrary to common assumptions, widespread sexual violence is not universal: only a minority of armed groups engage in it, and its use is often better understood as an organizational practice rather than a deliberate, centralized strategy. Key organizational factors associated with higher risk of perpetration include forced recruitment, the use of child soldiers, weak discipline, and permissive or instrumentalizing ideologies. Conversely, restraint is linked to strong internal governance, ideological norms that discourage abuse, effective training, and accountability mechanisms, including leadership selection processes. The paper concludes by outlining policy implications of existing research, highlighting the importance of targeting organizational structures rather than individuals alone; tailoring interventions to specific repertoires of violence; distinguishing between policy driven and tolerated practices; and using identified risk factors – such as child recruitment and weak oversight – as early warning indicators. Overall, understanding perpetrator organizations is essential for improving prevention and accountability.