We are delighted to share that a landmark study, Long-term physical and psychological symptoms in Syrian men subjected to detention, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and torture: cohort study of self-reported symptom evolution, was published in eClinical Medicine, a Lancet journal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research in context:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evidence before this study<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While little is known about the prevalence of male sexual violence in con\ufb02ict settings, even less is known about long- term symptoms and conditions suffered by male con\ufb02ict- related sexual violence (CRSV) survivors. Prior studies re\ufb02ect point prevalence of acute conditions; some studies describe survivor and stakeholder-reported effects at varying times following CRSV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Added value of this study<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the \ufb01rst study to our knowledge in which male CRSV survivors described physical and mental health symptoms over four time periods. Memories of detention and the post- release periods were described during the forensic medical evaluation (FME) and semistructured interview (SSI). The reported evolution of symptoms provides insight into conditions which persist, resolve or grow over time. Given the typically prolonged time to access forensic evaluations and services after detention, health care professionals\u2019 understanding of these evolving symptoms is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Implications of all the available evidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Men subjected to CRSV while detained are at risk for medical and psychological symptoms lasting years. To achieve improved access to effective treatment, recognition of the constellation of symptoms unique to men (anger, loss of con\ufb01dence, self-esteem, avoidance, and lack of trust) must be at the heart of access and care design. It is vital for informed policy to demand attuned services for men to improve livelihoods, family and community cohesion, and reduce con\ufb02ict on many levels<\/p>\n\n\n\n