Rebel Child Soldiering and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

Abstract Why do some rebel groups perpetrate sexual violence in armed conflict while others not? A growing literature explores factors impacting the occurrence of conflict-related (CRSV). We contribute to this literature, arguing that composition can provide insight into patterns violence. contend use child soldiers, and especially those rely heavily on coercive recruitment practices, are more prone engage wartime than who not recruit minors. While children rarely ideal soldier, they have become a crucial resource for many groups. Yet, their impact internal group dynamics. Sexual serve as tool conditioning violence, intragroup cohesion-building, an instrument combatting defection. test argument with data 245 active conflicts between 1989 2011. supplement quantitative analyses illustrative case study Revolutionary United Front Sierra Leone. Our results suggest soldiers likely inflict CRSV. This effect is magnified when recruited forcibly.