In the last years, we have been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rape is used as a weapon of war. Our mission is to accompany child victims and/or children born of rape in their psychological reconstruction and a possible future within their community.

In many countries, sexual violence is still used as a weapon of war to humiliate, inflict terror and destroy communities. It has very long-term consequences for women, girls, and recently even babies. Dr. Mukwege (surgeon, Nobel Peace Prize 2018) provides reconstructive surgery to these victims at Panzi Hospital in South Kivu. To complement this medical treatment, Véronique De Keyser, Cathleen de Kerchove, Isabelle Durant and Marie-Dominique Simonet created the non-profit organization The Children of Panzi and elsewhere (CPE).

A three-year holistic methodology was developed in collaboration with the University of Liege (ULiège). This methodology is continuously taught to local teams of psychologists and psychosocial assistants.

The local team accompanies these young victims of serious violence using play therapy. In addition to this group therapy, our methodology includes individual therapy, support for mothers, support for families and local communities. This comprehensive care is complemented by support for education and prevention campaigns on various topical issues related to gender equality and conflict prevention.

CPE’s holistic approach takes into account the child and his or her trauma, the family dynamics and the community dimension. It therefore allows the child to rebuild and integrate into a favorable environment.