Research conducted in the last four decades on rape and other forms of sexual violence shows that they are not only the result of transgression behaviors of some people but have been used as strategic, systemic, and calculated tools of war, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. Examining the nature and effect of wartime rape and sexual violence based on their distinctive features, context, and historical background is essential for research and service providers. This paper explores the lived experiences of sexual violence and gang rape victims during the North Ethiopian war in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from three girls and women survivors using a trauma and socio-culturally informed phenomenological approach. The finding shows that participants experienced a broad and complex range of psychological, physiological, emotional, and relational suffering after the rape. The result also shed light on some risk factors such as lack of awareness of the effect of traumatic events, stigma related to rape, and lacks victim protective legislation risk their journey to healing. The paper further discussed individual and community mental health responses for victims of war rape in culturally responsive and resource-poor settings.

Background Armed conflict and natural disasters cause serious psychosocial problems. Providing comprehensive bio-psychosocial support to the community after a war, traumatic, or devastating event has a significant impact on community reconstruction and resilience. As a result, the goal of this project was to conduct community diagnosis, identify individuals experiencing psychological distress, and provide comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support for the Chenna Kebele population in Dabat Woreda, North Gondar, Ethiopia. Methods A mixed research approach, specifically an explanatory study design, was used to assess psychosocial issues among war survivors. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation were used to assess the psychosocial and economic consequences of the war on survivors. Additionally, a structured questionnaire was employed to assess mental health problems among the target population. The project was conducted in three phases. Result A total of 550 households were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Of them, 45 people reported a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), adjustment disorder, protracted bereavement disorder, and insomnia. PTSD is the most common diagnosis, accounting for 38 cases. Four cases of major depressive disorder, three cases of prolonged grief, and two neurologic cases were also identified during the screening. Females had a higher number of PTSD cases as compared with males. Fifteen women reported sexual violence, and the number may be high because of underreporting and refusal to disclose the situation. The result also indicated significant property damage, loss of life stocks, and disengagement from basic services like water. Intervention with follow-up was provided at the individual, group, and community levels in order to reverse the devastating situation. The intervention included pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and social networking. Conclusion and recommendation Overall, the community has experienced multiple psychosocial and economic problems. Hence, providing holistic mental health psychosocial support, clearing the site and burying the dead body, and re-initiating the terminated social gathering event will alleviate the existing problem and create a resilient community.