Caritas Australia’s listening houses are a place where survivors of rape are welcomed and embraced.
Caritas Australia have released a new report calling for an end to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The report, entitled Fearless Voices, speaking up for peace, equality and justice in the DRC, details the state of law, war and justice in the Congo and highlights the severity of rape and sexual violence on its female citizens.
Drawing on the real life stories of survivors, the report highlights the current state of the crisis and the culture of silence, impunity and corruption that has allowed it to continue.
Caritas Australia’s Program Coordinator for the DRC and Congolese refugee Lulu Mitshabu said that in the war-torn DRC it is more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier.
“My country has been ravaged by more than a century of exploitation and almost two decades of war,” Ms Mitshabu said.
“One of the greatest tragedies of this conflict is relentless, calculated and brutal violence against women and girls.”
Ms Mitshabu cited a recent study which found that in the DRC, 48 women are raped every hour. Victims will go on to face discrimination and stigma, while their rapists will often escape punishment.
“When women’s bodies are a battleground and rape is used as a weapon of war, it is time for solidarity and action,” Ms Mitshabu said.
“Confronted with such injustice, we must be the Good Samaritans, we cannot look away,” she said.
Caritas Australia has been working in the DRC since 2001, implementing programs to promote peace building and sustainable livelihoods, supporting men and local leaders to be champions for justice, and providing psychosocial and medical support for thousands of woman and girl survivors of sexual violence.
You can access the Fearess Voices report at www.caritas.org.au/act/congo
