Femmes victimes des violences sexuelles dans les conflits armés en République Démocratique du Congo

This study presents findings from sexual health counselling and surveys of rape victims in rural environments connected to the late 20th century conflict in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). During the course of the author’s decade of work in South Kivu, she encountered dozens of female victims of rape and sexual violence. She argues that the current gaps in the provision of care for victims include a lack of healthcare infrastructure, an insufficient number of psychotherapists, and challenges associated with socio-economic reintegration. The article presents the situation as a whole, a study of three illustrative cases and recommendations for an improvement in care. Sexual health and reproduction form an integral part of the improvement of life in general and are possible only if human rights are respected.