Table 3.

Example illustrating a set of working hypotheses as a framework for comparative case studies

Source: Adaptation from Table 1.1 of Crawford’s (2017) book Wartime Sexual Violence

Stages of potential international response to sexual violence
WH1: Nonrecognition or no action to prevent sexual violence during conflict
WH1a: Sexual violence is not recognized as part of a specific conflict or the conflict itself is not recognized
WH1b: Wartime sexual violence as a general issue is not recognized
WH1c: No action is taken, and no formal discussion occurs within or among International Organizations (IO)
WH2: Sexual Violence is documented during a conflict and learning occurs
WH2a: Sexual violence as an aspect of a conflict is the subject of a report, publication, study or conference attended by a state or IO
WH2b: Information gathering about sexual violence during a conflict occurs
H3: There is a rhetorical response and condemnation of sexual violence during a conflict
WH3a: Sexual violence as part of a specific conflict is subject of a speech, unprompted remarks or press release of a high-ranking state official or leader of an IO
WH3b: Rhetorical remarks occur but resources to reduce or study sexual violence are not committed
Three additional stages of international response were provided by Crawford (2017)