Stereotypical beliefs about male honor often impede the social reintegration of rape victims. We conducted a qualitative study in Kalehe territory in the province of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, to understand strategies that facilitate the continuity of married life despite dishonor due to the rape of their wife. We interviewed men and women in eight couples separately. Our respondents implemented marital survival mechanisms that had not been thought out or planned. These strategies mainly involved a symbolic acceptance of women after rape. In our sample, some men remained in their marriages despite the perceived economic, sexual, and identity-related emasculation that made them less than men. Others engaged in polygamy. The presence of children born of rape made it difficult to their mothers for social reintegration. However, female children born from rape seemed to better reintegration than boys because of house chores, and marriage, from which their stepfather would benefit a bride price. The boys, on the other hand, were considered as herders and a potential danger associated with their biological fathers. In conclusion, our study shows that, although women reintegrated their matrimonial homes, they experience violence due to the hegemonic masculine socialization and patriarchal foundations.

Background: Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) with the intent of forced pregnancy is common in conflict, and used as a way to dominate women and their society/community. There is growing recognition of the needs of children born of CRSV, particularly by humanitarian practitioners who are coming into contact with them in emergency settings. We sought to find out what is the state-of-the-art on interventions to support children born of CRSV (and their families)? Methods: We systematically searched electronic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cairn Info and Embase) and hand searched reference lists of key publications, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGO), United Nations (UN) agencies, international organisations and governmental reports on this topic and in the area of genderbased violence (GBV), child protection, health and other sectors addressed at humanitarian practitioners. Results: Experiences of children born of CRSV include psychological, economic, medical, and legal aspects. Responses to their needs include food aid, medical care, housing assistance, financial support for the mothers of children born of CRSV, and therapeutic games and counselling. However, these responses remain insignificant and partial, and are very often only implemented in one setting. The paucity of the evidence base is clear. Conclusion: Children born of conflict related sexual violence are a special population, both because of the context in which they were conceived, and because of the experiences they face. To deal with the complexity of their situation and thus respond effectively to their holistic needs, various actors must work in synergy.