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Displacement and rape: Haiti's experience since the 2010 earthquake
Background
Displaced women are regarded as at higher risk of experiencing sexual assault than other populations, though there is little evidence supporting this hypothesis. Violence against women is a public health issue due to high morbidity among survivors. This study analyzes whether rape incidence is significantly higher among Haitian women displaced to camps after the 2010 earthquake than women who were not.
Methods
The 2012 Haitian DHS includes questions about experience of rape and displacement since the earthquake. Probit regression was performed with women reporting living in the displacement camps as the primary independent variable of interest and experience of rape as the outcome. Demographic factors, prior experience of rape, and related community norms were controlled.
Results
Women who lived in camps after the earthquake were 23% (95% CI: 0.058, 0.413) more likely to have reported experiencing rape than women who were not displaced. Women who were divorced, separated or widowed were 15% less likely to have experienced rape (95% CI: -0.228, -0.030). Highly educated women were 6% less likely to have experienced rape (95% CI: -0.108, -0.015).
Conclusions
These findings support the theory that displacement is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing rape. The reason for this is likely complicated, due to gaps in the infrastructure as well as community norms that might be accepting of a culture of rape. The results support the need for more investigation into the nature of increased risk of rape incidence among vulnerable populations.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related researchLearning Objectives:
Analyze whether rape incidence is significantly higher among Haitian women displaced to camps after the 2010 earthquake than women who were not.
Keyword(s): Disasters, Vulnerable Populations
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am currently in the prospectus/dissertation phase of my doctoral degree, where I have worked with Drs. Stacey Gage and Jane Bertrand on multiple projects. My primary research interests include gender-based violence and migration.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.