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Sexual violence continues being rampant in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.The few reported cases should only be perceived as the tip of the iceberg and the true magnitude of this havoc will probably never be revealed. Therefore it is all the more important to bring to the fore the dimensions of the impact on rape victims as well as to elucidate the factors which demonstrate the true and horrific plight of the women. Through in-depth interviews with 18 rape victims and the analysis of their culture, their treatment and the aftermath of their rape experiences, data has been compiled and analysed to facilitate understanding of the multi-faceted issues that arise when sexual violence comes under the microscope in the context of Africa, DRC and this heinous war of attrition. This research will provide an understanding of the scope and magnitude of the impact of rape on individuals and on society as a whole so that concise and rapid action by government and non government aid organisations can be implemented when and as required.

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Dr.med.univ. Nathalie Minami: Medizinstudium an der Medizinischen Universität Wien, Österreich. Assistenzärztin für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Wilhelmshaven

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