The Resilience of Children Born of Sexual Violence: What Can They Do? (Part 1)
There is still little research on how children and young people cope with the knowledge that they were born of sexual violence. In this two-part series, we highlight research on children born of sexual violence during wartime. These children face many difficulties. They search for answers about their fathers and wonder where they belong. Often, they are excluded by their families and communities. Additionally, they face financial problems and struggle to access education or medical care. Despite the limited research, growing insights show how they adapt positively and remain resilient. In this first part, we focus on their resilience. In the second, we explore what bystanders can do to support them.
Collaboration, Independence, and Kindness
A major study by Denov and her colleagues focused on 60 young people aged 12 to 19. They were born during the captivity of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda, during the civil war from 1986–2007. The study examined the challenges they faced after the war and how they dealt with them. It also explored how they view their identity and rights, and what helps them feel included. The researchers spoke with them about various aspects of their lives, both individually and in groups.
Despite challenges such as exclusion and difficult questions about their identity, the young people showed they found different ways to cope. They used tools and strategies to process negative opinions and rejection. The study revealed that the following factors helped them:
- Collaboration and support from peers
- Strong motivation to perform well in school
- Independence and resourcefulness in meeting basic needs
- Working hard to build a better future and counter negative views
- Showing kindness, for example by helping elders and community members, to gain respect and combat prejudice
This research shows that these young people actively seek ways to be accepted in their environment. They develop creative strategies to overcome challenges and work hard to build a better future. In addition to their own efforts, they emphasize the importance of community understanding and support in education and employment.
Source
Denov, M. (2021). Children born of War in Northern Uganda: Stigma, Marginalisation and Resilience. In C.W. Greenbaum, M.M. Haj-Yahia & C. Hamilton (Eds.), Handbook of Political Violence and Children. Psychosocial Effects, Intervention and Prevention Policy. Oxford University Press. (pp. 276–301)