Escalation of sexual violence in the DRC raises alarm

• In the first quarter of 2026, over 1,100 rape cases were recorded in the Uvira health zone of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• The crisis is driven by chronic insecurity, population displacement, and discriminatory social norms.
• Victims often remain silent due to fear of reprisal, stigmatization, and family rejection.

Legal Protections and Challenges

• The DRC government implemented a national GBV action plan in 2023 and passed Law No. 22/065 in December 2022.
• Current legislation allows victims to initiate legal proceedings without spousal authorization or payment of court fees.
• Practical implementation is severely hindered by low community awareness of these legal rights.

Community and Healthcare Response

• Civil society groups, such as the DSCDD, are deploying local alert networks and protection teams to assist survivors.
• Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of non-judgmental, patient-paced trauma care, noting that psychological support is essential for healing.
• Journalists and activists are advocating for survivors to seek medical facilities within 72 hours of an assault to receive emergency prophylactic treatment and documentation.

The Role of Media

• Local female journalists, including those from the Union of Women in the Media for Peace (UFMP), are leading campaigns to break the silence.
• Advocates argue that those most affected by the violence must be at the center of the discourse and news production to effectively drive change.