Girls In RDC Are Far More Often Sexually Abused By Boyfriends And Parents Than Soldiers

This piece by Nellie Peyton is a short read, but shocking.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has often been labeled as the "world's rape capital". Because abuses are usually taking place in war-torn areas, soldiers or rebels are frequently blamed.

However, Peyton's reporting warns: "The narrative needs to change".

"[T]he International Rescue Committee (IRC) said research showed the overwhelming majority of sexual violence against teenage girls in Congo's conflict zones happened in the home and within personal relationships."

At least 80 percent of the sexual violence was committed by family members or by a partner. To girls as young as 10.

This data shows that while most of the efforts done against sexual abuse focus on sporadic rape, systematic abuse is happening at home.