Tearfund launches campaign to address sexual violence in DRC
Melanie May | 30 June 2016 | News
Tearfund has launched an emergency appeal this month to raise funds to help women and girls affected by sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The campaign is using social media and direct mail to supporters to encourage donations to help survivors recover from trauma, rebuild livelihoods and ensure access to safe water and sanitation.
‘They took everything, my body, my health, my husband.’ Annamaria, from the DRC https://t.co/vFvsnYtgTd pic.twitter.com/d8KVIlw4rU
— Tearfund (@Tearfund) June 28, 2016
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It asks people to give what they can via the Tearfund DRC campaign webpage or by phone, with one suggestion of £35, which the charity says could help a woman recover from her ordeal by providing pychosocial support.
The campaign focuses on the role of Community Action Groups, made up of faith leaders from different faith groups and other local leaders, in helping survivors. The groups provide a focal point for sexual violence incidents and aim to grow awareness about the medical and legal rights and services available to survivors, as well as providing training and resources to help women start making a living.
David McAllister, Tearfund’s country director for DRC, said:
“Many of the affected communities are often difficult to reach. Tearfund recognises the value of local churches and faith leaders as key to addressing the root causes of the conflict. Faith groups are present even in remote, conflict-affected communities, which government and other agencies find hard to reach.”
Photo copyright: Richard Hanson
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.