Sexual and gender-based violence program

The Sexual and Gender-based Violence program provides medical and psychosocial professional care to women and girls who are victims of sexual violence. So far, we've helped over 500 people.

A group in the Democratic Republic of Congo

About the program

Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been particularly marked by the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war. All the armed forces, both state and non-state, in the DRC have used gender-based violence as one of the main weapons against their opponents and the civilian population – mainly women and children. This includes sexual slavery, kidnapping, forced recruitment, forced prostitution and rape.

For many years the United Nations (UN), human rights groups and development agencies have been reporting terrifying statistics on the number of people in the DRC subjected to sexual violence as a weapon of war. Thousands of people are raped in the DRC every year, though it is impossible to know exact numbers. As recently as August 2011, the UN reported that 121 women in the South Kivu region of the DRC were raped in just three days.

Caritas’ Sexual and Gender-based Violence program is therefore much needed.This program provides health, psychosocial, material and legal support to victims of sexual violence; people who are often left physically ravaged and emotionally traumatised for years.

The program cares for victims of sexual violence in four medical institutions. We provide immediate medical care and HIV testing for rape victims, as well as ongoing counselling services. Special care is given to women who become pregnant as a result of rape.

The program also provides longer-term support. Training in income-generating activities promotes independence and greater confidence for victims of sexual violence, and a special focus is placed on reconciling couples, as rape victims are often not only stigmatised by their community, they are sometimes also rejected by their spouse and family. Another problem in the DRC is a culture of impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence. This program also provides legal support to victims.

Elisabeth's story

In 2007, Elisabeth, 24, her husband and four children fled conflict in their village, taking refuge in a camp. Tragically, here Elisabeth was raped and the family's tent set alight. Her two-year-old son died, Elisabeth suffered severe burns, and on returning from hospital found that her husband had a new wife. 

Elisabeth from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Caritas Goma helped Elisabeth with trauma counselling and income generation. The unconditional acceptance and compassion allowed Elisabeth to feel hope: "I felt like being part of the community again."

Elisabeth struggled to care for her children, her health and earn an income. She joined the program's agriculture and income generation training. "Now I am involved in community farming, producing beans twice a year."

Having qualified for a US$100 loan, she began a small business selling pineapples.

"Today, we rent a small house. I am able to take care of my kids,"  said Elisabeth. "In the future I hope to own my own house and live in peace with my children. I hope to see them go back to school one day."

Isabelle's story

Watch the video below about teenager Isabelle from DRC, who was attacked by soldiers while on her way to fetch water. Supporters of Caritas Australia's Congo Appeal have helped her and many others rebuild their lives.   

Program details

  • Issues: Women and development; Health
  • Partner Agency: Caritas Goma
  • Funding in 2011/12 financial year: US $140,000
  • Geographic location: Rutshuru, Masisi and Goma city