A study on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Eachchilampattai Divisional Secretary (DS) Division at Trincomalee District

Abstract

The entire population of Eachchilampattai got displaced in 2006 due to war in Batticaloa, Ampara Districts and other parts of Trincomalee District. During mid 2007, the return starts to Eachchilampattai and 85% of the population was resettled in the end of 2007. After the resettlement it was observed that sexual and gender based violence in the area had increased to a higher level than before according to the available records. This exploratory study was done in the area of Eachchilampattai on Sexual and Gender Based violence in order to find out the root causes for this upheaval. Main objective to understand the situation and to identify the main reasons for Sexual and Gender based violence in Eachchilampattai Divisional Secretariat Division after the displacement in 2006 to 2009. Primary data and information for this research study was collected through questionnaires. As this study is more sensitive and qualitative in nature, focus group discussions and individual interviews were also conducted. From the results of the research, the conclusion was that after the displacement there was increased sexual and gender based violence reported to the Police. It was found, displacement and the camp situation were the major root causes for the increase in sexual and gender based violence in the area of Eachchilampattai. It was also found that the upward trend in sexual and gender based violence was continuing in spite of some measures taken to combat it. The study also brought out how this could be life threatening and the urgency for the awareness and appropriate measures for intervention.