The counseling center in Shasha, established in 2007 by Synergie des Femmes pour les Victimes de Violences Sexuelles (Women’s Synergy for Victims of Sexual Violence) has a room for emergency accommodation. Most of the time, this room is used for victims in transit from distant villages in the surrounding mountains. Having already traveled a long way to Shasha, these women are unable to reach Goma on the same day, so they spend the night here, before being transferred to the provincial capital. Likewise, on their return, they will rest for a while at the counseling center, before setting off for their villages. Florence, Synergie’s local counselor, manages this accommodation.
The room is currently occupied by F., age 16, and her baby. Raped for the first time two years ago, the adolescent was taken in hand by Synergie. In addition to providing medical and psychological support, the association also financed her school fees. During the same school year, F. was assaulted yet again. Becoming pregnant after the second rape, she gave birth to the child, whose health is unstable and so requires constant care. F. has had to drop out of school. Her mother cannot take her in, as she already has four young children to care for. The teenager receives constant support from Synergie. Although she is still afraid, she truly wants to move forward, so she participates in all of the network’s activities.
The organization has a total of ten counseling centers throughout North Kivu. Most of these, like in Shasha, offer emergency housing.
October 2010 – Shasha – DR Congo
© Pierre-Yves GINET