Population Size:
86,790,567.[1]
Number of People Experiencing Domestic Abuse Each Year:
In the DRC, there are alarmingly high report of violence towards women with rape being used as a "weapon of war" in areas of conflict.[2]
Each year, approximately 30,000 women are subject to gender-based violence.[3]
No research on male victims or other gender identities.
Cost of Domestic Abuse to the Economy Each Year:
No research.
Estimated % Change due to COVID-19:
The volume of calls to Lukasa’s Forum of Women Citizens and Activists for Governance, Democracy and Development, increased by over 1,000%, having gone from 5 calls per week to 10 per day.[4] With only 2,082 social workers for 84 million people, Congolese authorities are poorly equipped to help survivors.[5]
Current Law and Policy:
Customary law varies in the DRC by province. Although the law considers assault a crime it does not provide any specific penalty for domestic violence. Spousal rape is not specifically prohibited and is not recognised in Congolese culture. Victims rarely reported incidents of domestic violence/rape due to social stigma, prevailing societal and cultural attitudes and pressures. At present, there is no law prohibiting domestic violence. Moreover, there is an absence of shelters, counselling and rehabilitation services for victims of domestic violence.
In its 2017 Con