RFLD RESEARCH TEAM
- In Goma, DRC, sexual violence rages – a weapon of war used against women, children, and the vulnerable. This scourge leaves devastating physical and psychological scars, isolates victims, and hinders societal peace. Organizations like RFLD fight for change, urging for security, equality, and survivor support. Combating this issue requires a collective effort to address root causes, empower survivors, and build a future free from fear. It’s Goma’s story, but also a global call to action for a world where no one walks in the shadow of violence.
Sexual assault is a social and health problem that affects the whole population, due to its scale and impact on victims and society. Women, young people and children remain the most vulnerable to sexual assault. This is the case of the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is facing a humanitarian crisis that includes sexual violence.
Sexual violence in Goma is caused by a combination of factors, including:
1. Political instability and the presence of armed groups: The North Kivu region, where Goma is located, has been plagued by armed conflict for many years. Armed groups that provoke sexual violence use it as a weapon of war to terrorize and control the population.
2. Social inequalities and discrimination: Women and girls are often the first victims of sexual violence. This violence is often linked to social inequalities and discrimination against women.
3. Social and cultural norms: In some cultures, sexual violence is seen as a form of social control or punishment. These social and cultural norms can trivialize sexual violence and make it more difficult to report.
According to a UNICEF Report, reports of gender-based violence in North Kivu increased by 37% in the first three months of 2023 compared to last year. More than 38,000 cases of sexual violence were reported in the province in 2022. This represents an increase of 37% on the previous year.
Sexual violence in Goma has a devastating impact on victims. It causes physical damage, psychological trauma and sexual and reproductive health problems. Survivors of this scourge are often stigmatized and marginalized by their communities. They find it difficult to rebuild and regain control of their lives. Physical trauma includes injuries to the vagina, anus and rectum, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and illegal abortions. In some cases, sexual violence results in death.
Sexual violence also has serious psychological effects on victims, such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, shame, guilt and loss of self-confidence. In some cases, sexual violence leads to disorders, addiction and suicidal behavior. Sexual violence also has significant social consequences. Survivors are stigmatized and marginalized by their communities. They have difficulty finding a job, getting married or having children. Sexual violence also contributes to the prevalence of violence and insecurity in society.
Sexual violence also has significant economic consequences. Survivors require medical, psychological and legal assistance
Sexual violence has political consequences that leads to state instability and human rights violations. Sexual violence in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, has reached alarming levels.
It is important to develop solutions to combat sexual violence in Goma. These solutions must be integrated into all sectors and address the physical, psychological and social needs of victims.
- Strengthen the security and protection of civilians, particularly women and girls.
- Promote gender equality and empower women.
- Raising public awareness of sexual violence and its potential consequences.
- Creation of support services for survivors, including medical, psychological and legal assistance.
- Combating sexual violence in Goma is a complex challenge, but it is important to take steps to protect victims and put an end to this scourge.
- The Women Leaders Network for Development – Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) runs awareness campaigns on sexual violence. The aim of these campaigns is to inform the public about the different forms of sexual violence, their consequences and how to protect themselves.
- RFLD calls on the authorities to adopt and implement laws and guidelines to prevent and combat sexual violence.
- RFLD also works to build the capacity of institutions charged with protecting the rights of women and girls. We also provide legal, psychosocial and financial support to victims of sexual violence. Our actions help to raise public awareness, build institutional capacity and support survivors.
In Eastern Congo, sexual violence is defined exclusively as a weapon of war. However, this attitude seems to reinforce the depth of Goma’s ethno-political contradictions, hindering the genuine rehabilitation of women survivors of sexual violence and impeding their reintegration into the social structure. Without this reintegration, it seems difficult to hope that the networks of harmony and mutual aid essential to social peace and, ultimately, to reconstruction will be strengthened.
