Democratic Republic of the Congo

Media and service provider reports of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) perpetrated against men in armed conflicts have increased. However, response to these reports has been limited, as existing evidence and programs have primarily focused on prevention and response to women and girl survivors of SGBV. This study aims to contribute to the evidence of SGBV experienced by males by advancing our understanding of the definition and characteristics of male SGBV and the overlap of health, social and economic consequences on the male survivor, his family and community in conflict and post-conflict settings. The qualitative study using purposive sampling was conducted from June-August 2010 in the South Kivu province of Eastern DRC, an area that has experienced over a decade of armed conflict. Semi structured individual interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with adult male survivors of SGBV, the survivors’ wife and/or friend, health care and service providers, community members and leaders. This study found that SGBV against men, as for women, is multi-dimensional and has significant negative physical, mental, social and economic consequences for the male survivor and his family. SGBV perpetrated against men and boys is likely common within a conflict-affected region but often goes unreported by survivors and others due to cultural and social factors associated with sexual assaults, including survivor shame, fear of retaliation by perpetrators and stigma by community members. All key stakeholders in our study advocated for improvements and programs in several areas: (1) health care services, including capacity to identify survivors and increased access to clinical care and psychosocial support for male survivors; (2) economic development initiatives, including microfinance programs, for men and their families to assist them to regain their productive role in the family; (3) community awareness and education of SGBV against men to reduce stigma and discrimination and increase acceptance of survivors by family and larger community.

Studies from the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have provided anecdotal reports of sexual violence. This study offers a population- based assessment of the prevalence of sexual violence and human rights abuses in specific territories within Eastern DRC.

Sexual Violence against Men in Uganda is an underreported crime. Sexual Violence against Men is considered a taboo in most cultures. It is an issue not talked about because many consider the rape of Men nearly impossible. How- ever, Sexual Violence against Men is an issue that can no longer be ignored.it is clear that Men have also been Victims of rape in armed conflicts all over the world. The laws that define rape should be revised to include Men and boys as victims of rape. This is because there are several reported growing incidents of Male rape in Uganda today. A Medical doctor working in Ntinda hospital said of all referrals from the refugee law project the Male patients referred to her have at least reported incidents of Sexual Violence. In this hospital, Approximately 15 operations are carried out on a monthly basis to repair the damaged anuses of Male rape survivors. A demographic health survey in 2006 showed that at least 11% of Ugandan Men had identified themselves as Victims of Sexual Violence which is not related to conflict. Another study showed that in Pabbo camp in Gulu district of Northern Uganda, boys and Men were reported among Victims of Sexual Violence.