rape in congo is a men's issue, too

[niyad]

Rape in Congo is a Men’s Issue, Too

Here in Congo, so many of our discussions have been about the brutal sexual violence affecting women. We have heard heartbreaking stories of horrific violence and trauma that give you a new appreciation for human cruelty. And we have met so many people who give you hope—who demonstrate unimaginable resilience despite unbelievable trauma.
Just today, we learned that a 7-year-old girl was raped not far from Panzi Hospital, a renowned medical institution that my organization, Jewish World Watch, supports which is known for its cutting-edge surgical work to repair the bodies of rape survivors. During the discussion with our partner here, Dr. Denis Mukwege —a Nobel-prize nominee—I was struck most by how much of the response to this crisis is, understandably, focused on working with women to rebuild and recover. That work is essential. And JWW will continue to invest in these efforts.

But what about the men? And I don’t just mean the perpetrators. What about the fathers and brothers who shun these women, who do not allow them to seek medical attention? Who, in many cases, deny that these types of assaults even take place? When we talk about gender-based violence, are men relegated to the role of bystander at best, and perpetrator at worst?

Women who are able to get the medical support they need after a rape—a fortunate minority—often find themselves in an impossible situation after they leave the hospital. Many are stigmatized in their communities and never allowed to return. For others, the trauma that they experienced is ignored. The rape is accepted as a matter of fact with an expectation that the ordeal is in the past. They are expected to just forget it ever happened.

Will men help their daughters seek justice against their perpetrators? Will men hold their wives, with love and compassion, after they have been attacked? The answer is often no.
In Congo, men seldom seem to be a part of the conversation, leaving women to recover alone.

. . . .

http://msmagazine.com/blog/2014/08/01/rape-in-congo-is-a-mens-issue-too/

[theHandpuppet]

1. It sounds as if the JWW is supporting some good work there...

... and starting to meet with some success. There are so many of our sisters all over the world who are suffering the battle can seem overwhelming.

[niyad]

2. overwhelming ande horrifying. but, we cannot give up.