The impact of support programmes for survivors of sexual violence: micro-level evidence from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo there are several support programmes for sexual violence survivors, but their impacts are rarely systematically assessed. We investigated the effects for women from two support programmes that include both survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and others. Specifically, we estimated (1) the effect of SGBV on social exclusion and economic well-being, and (2) the effects of support programmes on social exclusion and economic well-being, as well as differential effects for SGBV survivors and others. Based on an original survey of 1,203 women, we found that survivors felt less included across various social settings, but their economic well-being was no different than that of other women. We also found that support programmes significantly improve both perceived social inclusion and economic well-being for survivors and non-survivors. The effects on economic well-being were larger for survivors. In conclusion, these support programmes brought important benefits to survivors and non-survivors alike, although there is potential for improvement, particularly on social inclusion for SGBV survivors.

Wartime Sexual Violence, Social Stigmatization and Humanitarian Aid: Survey Evidence from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

“…Finally, we provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of a diverse range of humanitarian aid interventions that seek to improve the lives of rape victims in eastern DRC (Bartels et al 2010;Albutt et al 2017;Amisi et al 2018;Dumke et al 2021). By drawing on a population-based sample in a survey delinked from a program-specific evaluation, our examination of the effectiveness of humanitarian support interventions presents a difficult test.…”

“…For example, in a randomized controlled trial implemented in a few villages in eastern DRC, Bass et al (2013) find that a group psychotherapy intervention was effective in reducing PTSD and anxiety while increasing people’s perceived ability to accomplish tasks. In another evaluation, Amisi et al (2018) find that support programs by the Panzi hospital in Bukavu increased economic and social well-being of sexual violence survivors.…”

A Systematic Review of Criminal Justice Initiatives to Strengthen the Criminal Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Violence in East Africa

“…For example, the SGBV Recovery Centre at the Coast Provincial General Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya, provides emergency health care, free mental health support, paralegal services, and integrated cooperation with the police, judiciary, local leaders, and the wider community (Temmerman et al, 2019). Similarly, Panzi Hospital and Foundation in DRC supports social reintegration through programs addressing social exclusion and financial wellbeing (Amisi et al, 2018).…”

Sexual and gender-based violence victims’ satisfaction of the support services through the holistic model of care in the Democratic Republic of Congo

“…The integrated model of care of victim of sexual violence aims to restore their dignity and well-being. Each team is facilitated by trained providers who follow care standard established by the World Health Organization [25,58]. In its implementation, the OSC model has a management circuit that must be respected by the different teams.…”