# A mental health emergency: A clinical and cultural response to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

## TL;DR

This paper addresses the mental health crisis caused by sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and calls for culturally sensitive care solutions.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a holistic, culturally grounded approach to mental health care for sexual violence survivors in the DRC.

## Key findings

- The mental health system in the DRC is severely under-resourced despite high rates of trauma from sexual violence.
- Western therapeutic models are often inappropriately applied without considering local cultural contexts.
- Community-based and trauma-informed care is essential for effective mental health recovery.

## Abstract

For nearly three decades, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has endured armed conflict that has devastated its population, leaving a staggering number of survivors of sexual violence. This article draws on over a decade of clinical, academic and field experience to explore the psychosocial and public health challenges of caring for these survivors. Despite the high prevalence of post-traumatic disorders – often severe and complex – the mental health system remains gravely under-resourced. The article examines gaps in mental health services, highlights the clinical intricacies of trauma resulting from rape (including complex PTSD and dissociation) and critiques the uncritical export of Western therapeutic models to African contexts. Emphasizing the need for culturally grounded, integrative care, the author advocates for community-based, trauma-informed, inclusive and context-sensitive approaches that bridge clinical science and local healing traditions. This holistic vision is essential for restoring dignity and mental health to survivors and for building a resilient public health infrastructure in the DRC.