The Listening Room Appeal
Be there for women who are raped in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Join us to support women who have been subjected to rape in war-torn central Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rape is used as a weapon of war. When women are raped, they are often rejected by their families and community. They are then expected to maintain a silence while suffering physical pain, mental anguish and social isolation.
A local Catholic priest in DRC set up The Listening Room because he saw for himself the trauma that women in his parish had suffered. Abandoned by their families, they were often pushed into absolute poverty. The priest realised the women needed a place where they could speak about their experiences.
A gift of just £25 today will ensure The Listening Room is able to bring its vital work to even more men and women like Patricia>>
Patricia* is a survivor of sexual violence. She came to The Listening Room and told us that she had been suffering from stomach pains and bleeding for a year. Patricia then told us about the night when armed rebels came to her house. Her husband fled but she could not leave her children behind. The armed rebels took the little money she had and then raped and beat her.
Despite our efforts to reconcile them, since finding out she was raped, Patricia’s husband abandoned her and their children.
In addition to counselling, we have given her a small amount of money to start her own trade. She is shy and reserved and when we were talking to her she often held her stomach because of the pain from her attack. However, she is also a model and inspiration to many. After coming to The Listening Room, Patricia has gone on to participate in a women’s organisation where she provides support and advice to other women in her village. In spite of everything she has been through, Patricia still works hard to feed her children. And she encourages women to stay alert and advises them how to protect themselves from attacks. She has found life after rape.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy
