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Survivors’ Sociocultural Status in Mwenga: A Comparison of the Issue before and after Rape

Author

Listed:
  • Buuma Maisha

    (School of Counseling, Psychotherapy and Spirituality, Saint Paul University, 223 Main street, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C4, Canada)

  • Judith Malette

    (School of Counseling, Psychotherapy and Spirituality, Saint Paul University, 223 Main street, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C4, Canada)

  • Karlijn Demasure

    (Centre for Child Protection, Pontifical Gregorian University, Roma 000186, Italy)

Abstract

This article discusses psychosocial challenges faced by women survivors of rape in their families and communities based on the interpretation of rape as a sexual taboo and held beliefs that automatic transgression of taboo, through unwanted sexual contact, defiles and endangers survivors and those who associate with them. This article raises awareness on these challenges and provides contextualized useful knowledge for professionals in helping the relationship with survivors and for gender relations policy makers. Built on results from a doctoral qualitative, grounded theory-based research, the article presents survivors’ stories from women who suffered rape and therapists who provided multidisciplinary services to them. Researchers have found that rape is widely believed to be a sexual taboo in Mwenga and other rural areas from the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The results suggest that efforts to support healing and social integration of survivors can be well supported by taking into consideration the contextual belief system around sexual defilement as this plays a significant role in post rape relations for survivors in their families and communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Buuma Maisha & Judith Malette & Karlijn Demasure, 2017. "Survivors’ Sociocultural Status in Mwenga: A Comparison of the Issue before and after Rape," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-8, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:6:y:2017:i:2:p:64-:d:101606
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