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Journal of Community Health
Published in: Journal of Community Health 4/2015

01-08-2015 | Original Paper

Risk of Sexual Violence: Perspectives and Experiences of Women in a Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Authors: Ganzamungu Zihindula, Pranitha Maharaj

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 4/2015

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Abstract

Sexual violence in conflict situations is gaining worldwide recognition as a human rights issue. There is growing awareness and concern about the risks associated with sexual violence against women. This study was conducted in order to explore the perceptions and experiences of the risk of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study draws on qualitative, in-depth interviews with women at a hospital in Bukavu. The findings show that women suffered humiliation, torture and beatings during their rape. Most women were raped by a number of men and others were forced to have sex with close family members. The rapist often used extreme brutality against the women which had major long-term consequences for women including unwanted pregnancies and/or HIV/AIDS. Many of the women experienced great uncertainty about their future and that of their children.
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Metadata
Title
Risk of Sexual Violence: Perspectives and Experiences of Women in a Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors
Ganzamungu Zihindula
Pranitha Maharaj
Publication date
01-08-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Community Health / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-015-9992-5

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