Ordeals of Sexually Violated Women and Access to Comprehensive Healthcare: A Case Study of Victims of Sexual Violence in North Kivu, Eastern Congo

Abstract

Background: The impact of sexual violence in any community is extremely devastating and women in the Eastern part of the Congo are no exception. Sexual violence not only affects the health of women, but it impacts their social life within the community too. Objective: The study aims to investigate the experiences of female victims of sexual violence in accessing medical care in North Kivu. Design: An interpretive, phenomenological approach was used for this inductive and qualitative study. In-depth informant interviews were the main data collection tool. Open-ended questions were used during the interviews in order to garner more information from the interviewees. Heidegger’s approach was utilized in analyzing the collected data. Results: The analyzed and interpreted results of the data indicated that survivors of sexual violence are engaged in an ongoing struggle. The victims demonstrated immense resilience despite the lack of comprehensive medical care and have continued to reassemble their broken lives. In order to present the outcomes of the research in a succinct and coherent manner, the outcomes are categorized into five sub-themes: managing worries and shame; regaining happiness; healing and restoration; the need for professional assistance and struggles in daily life. Conclusion: The study provides an understanding of the recovery processes of survivors of sexual violence in North Kivu, with important insights into dimensions that rehabilitation programs should take into consideration.

Sexual violence among young women in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study of prevalence, reporting and care-seeking behviuors

“…Others were too afraid or ashamed, young and naïve, preferred to protect their privacy, and did not trust the police. Previous studies have indicated that victims usually lack confidence in the ability of security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and because they are afraid of the stigma attached to being identified as a victim of rape or sexual assault 10 , 15 . This is more likely to occur in situations when the perpetrator is a close family member or intimate partner 12 , 33 , 42 .…”

“…Untreated psychological distress exposes victims to untoward suffering, and hampers their ability to function well in their work and enjoy a good quality of life 14 . In some cases, physical injuries from the assault result in hospitalisation and drains victims limited financial resources 4 , 9 , 10 , 12 . Also, due to the fear of stigma and reprisal from their assailants, victims of sexual violence rarely report incidence 6 , 12 , 15 or receive medical treatment, thereby exposing them to a heightened risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as unwanted pregnancy 16 – 18 .…”

“…The effects of sexual violence on victims' physical and mental health are damaging and lifelong. Persons who suffered sexual violence are more likely to report high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress, depression, and suicidal ideation 3,4,[8][9][10][11][12][13] . Untreated psychological distress exposes victims to untoward suffering, and hampers their ability to function well in their work and enjoy a good quality of life 14 .…”