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Sexual violence in the protracted conflict of DRC programming for rape survivors in South Kivu

Birthe Steiner1*, Marie T Benner2, Egbert Sondorp3, K Peter Schmitz2, Ursula Mesmer4 and Sandrine Rosenberger5

Author Affiliations

1 Independent Researcher, Krefeld, Germany

2 Malteser International, Cologne, Germany

3 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

4 Malteser International, Bukavu, DR Congo

5 Malteser International, Kinshasa, DR Congo

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Conflict and Health 2009, 3:3 doi:10.1186/1752-1505-3-3

Published: 15 March 2009

Abstract

Background

Despite international acknowledgement of the linkages between sexual violence and conflict, reliable data on its prevalence, the circumstances, characteristics of perpetrators, and physical or mental health impacts is rare. Among the conflicts that have been associated with widespread sexual violence has been the one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Methods

From 2003 till to date Malteser International has run a medico-social support programme for rape survivors in South Kivu province, DRC. In the context of this programme, a host of data was collected. We present these data and discuss the findings within the frame of available literature.

Results

Malteser International registered 20,517 female rape survivors in the three year period 2005–2007. Women of all ages have been targeted by sexual violence and only few of those – and many of them only after several years – sought medical care and psychological help. Sexual violence in the DRC frequently led to social, especially familial, exclusion. Members of military and paramilitary groups were identified as the main perpetrators of sexual violence.

Conclusion

We have documented that in the DRC conflict sexual violence has been – and continues to be – highly prevalent in a wide area in the East of the country. Humanitarian programming in this field is challenging due to the multiple needs of rape survivors. The easily accessible, integrated medical and psycho-social care that the programme offered apparently responded to the needs of many rape survivors in this area.