The influence of social norms on sexual violence and physical intimate partner violence in Somalia: A systematic literature review.

This systematic literature review sought to identify social norms influencing the perpetration of, and response to, sexual violence and physical intimate partner violence in Somalia. A systematic search of four online databases (Embase, Cinahl Plus, Scopus, and PsychINFO) was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed articles relevant to this study. The search was then expanded to identify other relevant documents published out with academic journals, such as technical or government reports. A total of 19 peer-reviewed journal articles, books, or book chapters were identified, in addition to other relevant papers and reports. A variety of norms were identified, which could be categorized as norms contributing to violence, norms limiting prevention or support, and norms preventing violence or diminishing its consequences. The literature review underlined the importance of considering the intersectionality of social norms and individual, institutional, material, and other social influences on behaviour when seeking to design interventions to address sexual violence and physical intimate partner violence in Somalia. • There is a lack of literature at the interface of social norms and violence against women and girls research in Somalia. • Social norms can either sustain perpetration or confer protection from violence in Somalia. • Social norms in Somalia may be cross-cutting, effecting multiple subtypes of violence against women and girls. • Social norms in Somalia may vary in strength and intersect with other influences on behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]