Domestic spousal violence against women and drinking water source: Findings from a national survey in Democratic Republic of Congo

The 2007 nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R. Congo), was funded by USAID through Macro International's MEASURE/DHS Program. The survey (implemented by Ministry of Plan, Government of D.R. Congo) gathered information about issues affecting women's health, namely fertility, mortality, family planning, maternal-child health, water and sanitation, and included the domestic violence module. Survey respondents were women aged 15-49 years; about 2500 ever-married women were selected for and answered questions about various forms of violence from their spouse (or a partner they lived with).

Surface water (river, spring, lake) is the household drinking water source for two-thirds of women; ~10% have water piped into the house/yard; 17% use public tap or borewell; and 7% use a well. Violence levels were high: overall, 64% had experienced physical/sexual violence from their spouse. Differentials were generally small by characteristics such as urban-rural residence, age, education, and poverty/wealth index. Differences in violence level according to drinking water source were not statistically significant (piped 62%; public tap or borewell 63%; well 66%; surface water 64%). However, average time to collect water was somewhat longer for women who experienced violence (34 minutes) than those who did not (29 minutes) (p=0.001).

Improved access to drinking water would reduce the burden on women and contribute to improved health. Because violence levels are high in all population sub-groups, policies and interventions to address domestic spousal violence need to reach all segments of society.