Help Survivors of Rape in the DRC

Fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed over 5 million lives since 1998 – the largest death toll in any conflict since WWII. Hundreds of thousands of women and girls have been brutally raped since the war began, often with tools, weapons and broken bottles, in what UN officials have called the worst sexual violence in the world. The violence is so obscene it has been described as sexual terrorism because it aims to humiliate women, destroy their families and intimidate their communities. In 2006, 27,000 reported cases of rape and sexual violence were registered in South Kivu province alone – a mere fraction of the total, since so many cases of sexual violence go unreported. For more about sexual violence as a tactic of war, click here.

Dr Mukwege of Panzi Hospital comforting a survivor of sexual terrorism The Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, South Kivu provides free care and treatment to thousands of women with severe internal injuries and obstetric complications from rape and other sexual violence. Each year more than 3,500 women undergo surgery to reconstruct their bodies at Panzi, where they receive medical care, accommodation, food and support. Each week, the hospital’s mobile clinic visits outlying areas and brings more women to the hospital. All the women who come through Panzi’s doors meet with a social worker and psychologist, but the sheer volume of traumatized women makes it impossible for Panzi to address the vast psychosocial needs of the women and girls who have been raped.

Currently under construction is the City Of Joy, a safe transitional housing complex for women survivors of sexual violence. More than 150 women will receive support to heal and training to develop their leadership and life skills so they can become leaders in their communities.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation's Work in DRC

In Nov. 2007, the Stephen Lewis Foundation began funding some of Panzi Hospital’s urgent needs, including:

psychosocial services for victims of sexual violence and the staff who support them
HIV counselling, testing and treatment
post-rape kits to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection immediately following an attack
a safe blood screening centre and the equipment needed for blood testing and transfusions
hot food for HIV/AIDS patients and outpatients
school fees, uniforms and shoes for 400 children
training for local leaders and caregivers to victims of sexual violence
salaries for a number of nurses and project staff.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation is also supporting the construction of the City of Joy.

Fullstop supports the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in the DRC. Refer to the right column for information about how you can join us.

About the Stephen Lewis Foundation

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) supports community-based organizations that are turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. They provide care to women who are ill and struggling to survive; assist orphans and other AIDS-affected children; reach heroic grandmothers who almost single-handedly care for their orphan grandchildren; and sustain associations of people living with HIV and AIDS. Since 2003, the SLF has funded over 300 projects in 15 countries.

In the Foundation's first five years they spent less than 10% on administration. The SLF is based in Toronto, ON and is a registered charity.

For more information, visit www.stephenlewisfoundation.org.

References

Dave Toycen, President, World Vision (World Vision Canada "child view" magazine, Spring 2009)