Family and Community Rejection and a Congolese Led Mediation Intervention to Reintegrate Rejected Survivors of Sexual Violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Our purpose in this study is to describe the multiple and inter-related health, economic, and social reasons for rejection and to provide an example of a Congolese-led family mediation program to reintegrate survivors into their families. We conducted this study in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and included two focus group discussions and twenty-seven interviews. Rejection extends beyond physical dislocation to include economic and social aspects. Family mediation is a process requiring knowledge of traditions and norms. Understanding the context of rejection and supporting promising local reintegration efforts will likely improve health, economic, and social outcomes for the survivor, her family, and her community.

Social interaction in the aftermath of conflict-related trauma experiences among women in Walungu Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo

“…They may perceive less support, and therefore reach out to family and neighbours less frequently, even if village members include them. For example, women survivors of sexual violence in rural eastern DRC have described how some members of the community assist them with clothing and food and others ‘point at them’ and gossip (Kelly et al, 2012; Kohli et al, 2012). In DRC, certain types of events (e.g., level of violence, association with supposed culpability) are associated with social consequences.…”

“…Trained PFP agents and interviewers (men and women) conducted interviews. Experience during pilot tests with the questionnaire and prior work by this research team in rural communities (Glass et al, 2012; Kohli et al, 2012) gave evidence that rural villagers (men and women) felt comfortable being interviewed by either male or female team members. Baseline data collection took place between May and August 2012.…”

“…Community members in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a region that has experienced conflict since 1996, emphasize the need to facilitate social reintegration and rebuild traditional community support structures (Kohli et al, 2012). Congolese living in eastern DRC report high exposure to traumatic events including physical (50%), movement (20.8%), property (50.8%), and sexual (42.9%) violations (K.…”

“…Johnson et al, 2010). The prolonged conflict has resulted in widespread feelings of fault, fear of future violence, loss of productivity, esteem and trust in part due to cultural and social understanding of family member’s trauma experience (Kohli et al, 2012). In other settings, certain types of conflict trauma (e.g., ill without medical care, close to death) are associated with symptoms of PTSD (Bonanno et al, 2010; Roberts et al, 2009).…”

“…gang rape, forcing family participation), survivors of sexual violence may experience isolation and reduced family and community support or acceptance (Kohli et al, 2014; Kohli et al, 2012). Sexual violence-related social isolation may arise for a range of reasons including local customs, which do not permit women to have sexual relations outside of marriage even when the sexual relation is forced, or health complications due to the assault (e.g., fistula, mental health) (Kelly et al, 2012; Kohli et al, 2012). In populations that experience multiple and different types of violence like rural Congolese, certain traumatic experiences may affect social relations, including social interaction, positively or negatively.…”