Hope Grows For Survivors of Sexual Violence

On her travels as Senior Conflict Advisor for World Vision UK, Sarah has seen some horrendous things. But it's the hope that emanated from the victims of sexual violence, once they were given the proper support, that has struck her most. Here, she reflects on a recent trip to meet survivors and the effect they had on her work at this month's Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict summit.

All victims' names have been changed to protect them.

By Sarah Pickwick, Senior Conflict Advisor, World Vision UK

Early this month I went along to the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London. The summit aimed to build momentum towards real change that could be seen on the ground in countries facing conflict or grappling with the aftermath of conflict.  But often the key question is: how that is going to happen?

A visit to DRC

About a month ago I travelled to Eastern DRC, which has one of the highest levels of sexual violence recorded (1,100 rapes monthly). It's staggering to get your head around, but it becomes incredibly real when you are there in person, meeting a survivor for the first time. 

The project we visited was called CAMPS, a local community based organisation that World Vision supports, that looks after survivors of sexual violence. They receive medical treatment and psychological counselling but also clothes, their children's school fees are paid for, and they have access to training and skills so they can start up small businesses selling things like soap and sugar.

We spent a few hours with about 15 women, the visit being one both of distress, as women recounted what had happened to them, but equally one of hugs, laughter and dancing, as we were welcomed and sent off.

But best of all there was hope for the future. These women showed incredible strength and bravery to speak, and amazing resilience as they found ways to move forward.  On more than one occasion as we sat together I fought back the tears.  

“My level of hope has grown.”

No age or background or status seemed immune. Rachel  was 12 when she was raped. Tara was 60. Susan had 3 kids whilst Beatrice was a small-scale business woman.

For some it was rape by a member of an armed group, another by a teacher. At least three women spoke of being raped more than once, and several lost all their possessions and in some cases were thrown out by husbands, families or communities.

Most heartbreaking for me was Amelia, age 14, who had been raped and broke down saying that although she was back at school she feared the same thing would happen again and therefore found it difficult relax and play like other children.

But amid the stories of suffering, a constant refrain - CAMPS. Thanks to CAMPS counselling many could begin to move on. They were at different stages as survivors but CAMPS had journeyed with them. 

Some had reconciled with husbands, others spoke of their gratitude of being restored to health, and for others the joy being able to once again care for families, pay rent and buy things and a restored sense of worth and value. As Tara put it 'my level of hope' has grown.

Why the summit matters

Survivors like Tara, Amelia and Beatrice should be central to ending sexual violence. This is one of the key things World Vision has advocated for.

So often the voices of survivors are silenced and yet it is their stories, wishes and views on what they need, both immediately and in the longer term - physically and psychosocially - that should be centre stage. They should be given power to change the way they are treated.

As advocates, we at World Vision can help enable survivors to participate directly in such summits (like Angela, who came to the UK from Northern Uganda).

We can also be a voice for others like those in DRC, who entrust us with their stories in the hope that as we pass them on it will ultimately prevent such acts from happening again as decision makers grapple with dealing with the root causes.

Having seen the damage sexual violence causes and how World Vision can help, it’s made me even more passionate about seeing the world get behind an effort to end sexual violence once and for all.

How wonderful would it be if projects like CAMPS became unnecessary?

To find out what the summit acheived, visit their official website to read the summary of actions.