Gender, Shame and Sexual Violence

Sara Sharratt is Emerita Professor of Psychology from Sonoma State University in California and Professor of Gender and Peace Building at the University for Peace in Costa Rica

• Introduction; Chapter 1 Historical Background; Chapter 2 Legal Background on International Criminal Tribunals; Chapter 3 Theoretical Perspectives; Chapter 4 Methods of Investigation; Chapter 5 Voices from the Court; Chapter 6 The Courts Surveyed; Chapter 7 Protective Measures; Chapter 8; Chapter 9 Discussion and Recommendations from the Court; Chapter 10 Recommendations;

'This book is a sobering reminder that even today our vision of a fair, just and gender equal society remains frustratingly elusive. The deafening silence of the victims serves as a clarion call for action. Their strength and courage is inspirational.' Lorena Aguilar, The International Union for Conservation of Nature, Costa Rica 'Combining the practiced eye of a clinical psychologist with the heart of a freedom fighter in a ground-breaking analysis of the international justice system Sara Sharratt asks the question of gender. Building upon the literature that unequivocally demonstrates that without this question there can be no justice, she reveals that women are still approached as a special case and that even justice is gendered.' Ellyn Kaschak, San Jose State University, USA 'Sara Sharratt reminds us of the difference between law and justice. Her work is a major milestone to remind international criminal lawyers that success cannot be measured solely by the numbers of convictions, but must also be measured by the manner in which these institutions treat sexual violence victims and fulfill women's expectations of justice.' Binaifer Nowrojee, Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa, Kenya 'The strength of the book lies in its reportage of the comments, opinions and ideas expressed by the respondents to the questionnaires and the interviewees. This material offers an important insight into the attitudes and beliefs of the various ’actors’ and the extracts from the interviews demonstrate that much remains to be done if we are to improve the ’policies and procedures for survivors, court members, and those engaged in the quest for justice for [crimes of sexual violence]’... Sharratt’s book, whilst focussed on the ICTY and the WCC, is an important addition to our understanding of the ongoing difficulties faced by women in their search for accountability.' Melbourne Journal of International Law