JP DRC Sexual Violence Prevent 

ObjectivesFund scope

Joint programme stakeholders sought to reduce the incidence of sexual and gender-based violence in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri through the implementation of coordinated, multi-sector actions and responses. Close collaboration with local officials and first line responders was vital for establishing community protection mechanisms for sexual and gender based violence (SGBV).

Projects and approaches covered the provision of quality holistic care (medical, psychosocial, economic, legal, and judicial) that could cater to more than 5,000 survivors of SGBV in targeted areas. To reach this aim, data mapping and analyses on sexual violence were carried out in the provinces of Orientale and North Kivu, and the information shared with relevant partners. Other specific programme objectives met during the course of the programme were:

• Creation of community mechanisms for prevention and protection against sexual violence in North Kivu and Ituri.
• Building the technical capacities of 103 medico-sanitary PEC structures.
• Provision of basic services for up to 7,500 survivors in targeted areas.
• Ensure the timely collection, reliability, and dissemination of data to effectively fight SGBV.
• Strengthen national and provincial coordination mechanisms by including provisions on sexual and gender-based violence.

To expand their reach, stakeholders invested in large-scale community modalities that aimed to change behaviours, improve individual knowledge of SGBV (including its causes and drivers), and broaden the engagement of men and boys. These approaches helped transform social norms and reduce vulnerabilities while multi-sector assistance—based on integrating services for holistic care—proved successful in helping reframe and revise standards of impunity. Over the course of the programme women, girls, and members of vulnerable groups benefitted from an increase in the quality and number of basic social services that provided solutions for not only SGBV, but conflict resolution and peacebuilding as well.

In both provinces, joint implementation of activities, monitoring and supervision made it possible for provincial stakeholders to take ownership of the process—from ordering and making PEP kits available to survivors to integrating psychosocial care in community systems—all of which increased local leadership and the accountability of adjacent health structures.

Improvements to the provision of mental health care and some clinically integrated legal services led to an increase in the number of survivors who filed case reports and sought redress through justice systems. The involvement of beneficiaries in the design and implementation of projects helped increase their levels of empowerment and ownership, as well as the sustainability of interventions.

The contextual analysis made it possible to understand sociological causes of sexual violence and which community actions would better serve as durable solutions to the prevention and protection of sexual violence. Innovations included methods of engaging young people and men, and making inroads in school-community settings and encouraging students to champion the fight against sexual violence. Follow-up evaluations showed that programme actions were appreciated by beneficiary communities, especially women who noted changes in the behaviour of their spouses.

Projects

JP DRC Sexual Violence Prevent

JP DRC Sexual Violence Prevent is currently supporting count_projects ongoing projectscount_globalInterregional and count_countries country-specific. This table shows the most recently approved ongoing projects.

All project financial information can be found in the Financials section, including delivery analysis by organization, theme and project; project financial status by country and by theme.

JP DRC Sexual Violence Prevent

Results

Some of the programmatic highlights are as follows:

More than 533,100 people were made aware of the rates and importance of fighting SGBV through film screenings, theatrical productions, radio broadcasts radio, public posters, and musical performances.

Roughly 1,018 community leaders and authorities, including 246 women, learned about guiding principles and interview techniques when speaking with survivors of sexual violence and how to analyze the context of their situation. Participants included community leaders, political and administrative authorities, members of state institutions, customary chiefs, religious leaders, doctors, and members of parents' committees and women's associations.

Upwards of 582 teachers (230 women) were engaged in the prevention of sexual violence in schools. Furthermore, over 18,000 students took part in sessions, learning about SGBV causes, prevention, and service strategies.

Over 160 fathers took a course on “good fatherhood and the prevention of violence” and took part in behavioural change sessions on positive masculinity, gender norms, and SGBV. These men became leaders in their communities to defend women’s rights.

The response capacity of 102 health facilities was strengthened and 639service providers received training on approaches to reach 7,775 SGBV survivors.

Thirty-seven lawyers, 57 clerks, 20 doctors and 14 magistrates took part in a capacity building exercises on SGBV provisions and standards.

In Goma, 20 civil and military leaders detailed evaluation criteria for the prosecution and investigation of offenses of sexual violence under the supervision of the Superior Council of Magistracy and Inspectorate General of Judicial and Penitentiary Services.

Improved the output of 147 officials in the national data collection system.Stakeholder training modules on data collection were revised and adapted to the new electronic data transfer system.

Technological advancements made it possible for 13,040 survivors of sexual violence to report their cases. Furthermore, gaps were mapped, enabling stakeholders to design interventions that addressed unmet needs in the SGBV space.

A communication strategy was developed to share project results and train 40 media professionals in Ituri and North Kivu on issues related to gender-based violence.

ContactsPoints of contact