Examining stigmatization of sexual violence survivors in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: A mixed methods study

Introduction: Sexual violence has been a pervasive and destructive feature of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Women state that the stigma they face as survivors of sexual violence can be as traumatic as the attack itself. The reactions of a survivor's family and community are therefore highly correlated with her ability to heal.

Methods: Two hundred surveys were administered to women in 3 field sites by trained social workers in South Kivu Province. Surveys addressed women's experiences with sexual violence, and economic and social consequences of stigmatization.

Results: Of the women surveyed, 38.7% women reported either leaving their house or being abandoned by a family member because of sexual violence. Over half (62%) of those who reported sexual violence said their financial control in house was diminished after disclosing sexual violence to their family and 70.5% of respondents stopped going to farm because of shame related to rape. Five percent of women reported increased physical abuse in the home after sexual violence, and 40% of women reported increased verbal abuse in the home after sexual violence. Women identified health care professionals, NGO workers and religious leaders as potential figures who could change stigmatizing attitudes towards survivors of violence.

Conclusions: After sexual violence, women report significant stigmatization in their families and communities. Stigmatization has economic consequences, as well as social consequences. Programs aimed at helping women recover from rape must take into account the stigmatization of survivors by family members and others in the community.