Citation

Koegler E, Kennedy C, Mrindi J, Bachunguye R, Winch P, Ramazani P, Makambo MT, Glass N. Violence Against Women 2019; 25(3): 359-374.

Affiliation

1 Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801218778378

PMID

29911487

Abstract

Solidarity groups were established in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to provide female survivors of conflict-related sexual violence an opportunity to generate income, establish networks of support, and cope with atrocities. Qualitative data were collected from 12 members of solidarity groups to explore factors that contributed to members' mental health. All women identified some improvement (physiological, psychological, economic, or social) since joining the solidarity group, but none of the women were free from ailments. Our findings suggest that a multifaceted intervention in women's own communities has the potential to improve multiple aspects of women's lives, including mental health.

Language: en

Keywords

Democratic Republic of Congo; community-based; conflict; intervention; sexual violence