(Child Soldiers International) – Reported rates of sexual violence in the conflict affected Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are extremely high, with population based studies reporting rates ranging from 20% to 40% (see Johnson et al, 2010 ). While the rates of such violence may vary – influenced by a number of factors such as under-reporting due to associated stigma (see Guimond and Robinette, 2014 ) – there is marked consistency in findings showing that sexual violence against girls and women can result in serious physical injury, sexually transmitted diseases and psychological distress. Yet, there appears to be a lack of rigorously evaluated interventions for sexually abused or exploited women and girls in low-income, conflict affected countries. Against this background, we draw our readers’ attention to the above two recent studies by Bass, Annan and colleagues, and O’Callaghan and colleagues. Each seeks to evaluate interventions in just such conditions. Both involve women or girl survivors of sexual exploitation and violence in the Kivu provinces of Eastern DRC.
