Women and girls bearing children through rape in Goma, Eastern Congo: stigma, health and justice responses

Women and girls bearing children from rape is a poorly understood subject area in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is essential to understand the underlying causes and consequences of sexual violence; and their impact on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This article reports on British Academy funded research that examined the impact of bearing a child from rape, and the related health and justice responses. Individual interviews, focus groups and workshops with women, girls and health and justice service providers identified the social, health and psychological consequences of rape and bearing children. Our findings show the negative impact that rape and bearing a child has on Congolese society, and how this impedes the successful achievement of key MDGs. The current research should stimulate debate, and provide a useful resource for policy and service reviews.