Support 1000 Sexual Violence survivors in DR Congo

In the second half of 2018, our partners assisted 717 SGBV victims/survivors to access psycho-social and medical support (370 in South Kivu and 347 in North Kivu), of whom 607 (85%) victims/survivors were referred to either a hospital or local health centre for further treatment. Specifically, 348 (57%) victims/survivors were referred to a hospital for specialised treatment, most commonly for reparative surgeries for rape-related injuries; and 259 (43%) victims/survivors were referred to a local health centre.

In addition to medical assistance, the project also provides information and referrals to legal clinics for those who wish to seek redress and justice for the SGBV incidents. Between July and December 2018, the project referred 270 victims/survivors to legal clinics (260 in South Kivu and 10 in North Kivu) and several were supported through the justice process with partners acting as victims’ advocates.

Additionally, 55 community sessions were held, involving 1,761 participants. The outreach sessions raised awareness within the community to reduce stigma for victims of SGBV, provided information about the services available for victims of these crimes, and stressed the importance of reporting SGBV incidents rather than accepting informal agreements with the perpetrator or the perpetrator’s family.

Many SGBV victims/survivors are rejected by their husbands and/or families as a result of being raped and face additional social and economic challenges. In North Kivu, the Transit House project, through our partner, assisted SGBV victims with the process of reintegrating with their families.

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