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Sexual violence in conflict situation is often used as a strategy of warfare and is increasingly gaining worldwide recognition as a human rights issue. This study was conducted in order to explore the experiences of survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aim of the study was to determine the impact on survivors of sexual violence with a specific focus on reproductive health outcomes. The study draws on in-depth interviews with women at Panzi Hospital. The findings show that women suffered humiliation, torture and beatings during their rape. Most women were raped by a number of men and others were forced to have sex with their relatives. The rape often used extreme brutality against the women and their families. The rape had serious consequences for the sexual and reproductive health of women. Some of the effects of their rape were long-term, resulting in pregnancies or HIV/AIDS. Many of the women expressed great fears for their future and that of their children, especially those who are now living with the virus.

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Theo, C. Zihindula, M PopStdy: Studied Population Studies at the University of Kwazulu-Natal. Coordinator of Quality Improvment Systems at Africa Centre for Health and Population studies. South Africa

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