Peacekeeper Perpetrated Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Haiti: A Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Study

This cross-sectional mixed-methods study used a sensemaking approach, implemented through Cognitive Edge’s SenseMaker® tool, to examine interactions between local women and girls and United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti personnel in communities surrounding ten MINUSTAH bases across seven locations in Haiti between June and August 2017. Individuals aged 11 years and older were purposively recruited within a 30 km radius of selected bases, including women and girls with direct experience, as well as family members, friends, community leaders, and other community members. Using one of three prompts, participants shared brief self-interpreted micronarratives and then interpreted them through dyad, triad, and multiple-choice questions. The survey was developed in English, translated into Haitian Creole, independently back-translated, and refined following pilot testing. Data collection was conducted privately in Haitian Creole by 12 trained research assistants from two Haitian partner organizations, with narratives later transcribed and translated into English by native Creole speakers. Written consent was waived, no identifying information or compensation was provided, and ethics approval was obtained from the University of Birmingham and Queen’s University research ethics boards.