The Relationship between Sexual Violence and Traditional Practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo - Focus on Uvira territory -

AUTHORS:

Sarah Mweze Marie

ABSTRACT:

This study was about the relationship between sexual violence and traditional practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the focus on Uvira territory. After a systematic and interpretative analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected by interview and documentation, it has been proven that the recognition of sexual violence based on traditional practices in Uvira territory is extremely low. the misconception of human dignity, the ambiguity of the Congolese laws, threats and fear of stigmatization, the weakness of the judiciary system, the patriarchal social system, women level education, women poverty, women powerlessness, lack of gender awareness and patriarchy were the main causes of non-recognition of sexual violence based in traditional practices. The consequences of non-recognition of sexual violence based on traditional practice have been identified as lack of help for victims, the victims suffer from severe psychological trauma, victims live in an unending vicious circle of pain and most importantly, the normalization of the problem they are in. The work has also proposed different solutions to raise the awareness and the recognition of sexual violence based on traditional practices in Congo D.R. Congo an in Uvira territory in particular.

KEYWORDS:

Sexual Violence, Traditional Practices, Uvira Territory