Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Kivu Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo : Insights from Former Combatants

Ending the period of conflict, violence and insecurity in Eastern DRC would contribute tremendously to addressing the high levels of ongoing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). This study has been conducted in partnership with the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) vivo international, to determine individual motivations, as well as strategic or tactical aspects of sexual violence of different armed groups and their leadership. SGBV is a complex problem requiring an integrated and multi-sectoral response, even more so in a fragile environment with ongoing conflict, such as in Eastern DRC. Responses to violence against women need to address, among others: health sector including physical and mental health issues, the criminal-justice sector, economic empowerment, community development (promoting equitable access to resources for women and men), prevention of violence (e.g., through formal and informal education), and advocacy at the community, national and international levels. Any effective response must combine enforcing laws and prosecuting perpetrators to break the cycle of impunity, while addressing the individual and societal wounds, and working to prevent a normalization and recurrence of sexual violence

Former combatants on sexual violence during warfare; a comparative study of the perspectives of perpetrators, victims, and witnesses

Haer R, Hecker T, Maedl A. Former combatants on sexual violence during warfare; a comparative study of the perspectives of perpetrators, victims, and witnesses. Human Rights Quarterly. 2015;37(3):609-628

The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards in Committing Violence During Combat: A Cross-Sectional Study With Former Combatants in the DR Congo

It has been postulated that the violent behavior that characterizes armed conflict is reinforced by the possibility of receiving rewards. The present study examined the potential influence of two types of rewards in an ongoing setting of conflict: extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Former combatants active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (N = 198) were interviewed and questioned about the way they were recruited, the offenses they committed during combat, their level of perceived intrinsic rewards (i.e., appetitive perception of violence), and the number of received extrinsic rewards during their time in the armed group (e.g., money, extra food, alcohol, or drugs). A moderated multiple regression analysis showed that the number of received extrinsic rewards and the level of intrinsic rewards were significantly positively related to the number of different types of offenses committed. In contrast to our expectations and previous findings, the recruitment type (forced conscription vs. voluntary enlistment) did not moderate this relation. Our findings suggest that both types of rewards play a role in committing violence during combat. We suggest, therefore, that reintegration programs should not only consider the influence of extrinsic rewards, but also need to address the influence of intrinsic rewards to counter violent behavior among former combatants

Appetitive aggression in former combatants - Derived from the ongoing conflict in DR Congo

Soldiers and combatants often report that committing violence can be appealing, fascinating and exciting (Elbert, Weierstall, & Schauer, 2010). This appetite for aggression was investigated in a sample of 224 former combatants from different armed groups and forces in eastern DRC. In a semistructured interview they were questioned about their military history, exposure to violence and perpetrated violence. Appetitive aggression was assessed with a 15-item-scale (Weierstall & Elbert, 2011), which was successfully implemented in comparable samples (Weierstall, Schalinski, Crombach, Hecker, & Elbert, submitted for publication). A sequential multiple regression was conducted to determine possible predictors of appetitive aggression. Perpetrated violence types, recruitment type, and joining as a child were significant predictors and explained 26% of the variability in appetitive aggression. Duration or military rank within the armed group and exposure to violence did not play a significant role. Thus, combatants reporting high levels of appetitive aggression are characterized by perpetrating a high number of violent acts, joining armed groups on their own accord and as children. Joining an armed group on one's own accord indicates pre-existing appetitive aggression. However, joining young and perpetrating violence on a regular basis seem to intensify the appetite for aggression

Synovial cyst of the fifth digit in a cat

A synovial cyst of the fifth digit of the left forelimb in a 15-year-old cat was diagnosed. Radiographs showed severe osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints with soft tissue swelling. An ultrasound examination of the digit revealed a cystic structure. Following amputation of the digit, the cyst recurred 3 months later palmar to the carpus and metacarpus. The aetiology of synovial cysts is discussed. </jats:p

Addressing Post-traumatic Stress and Aggression by Means of Narrative Exposure : A Randomized Controlled Trial with Ex-Combatants in the Eastern DRC

Former child soldiers and ex-combatants are at high risk of developing trauma-related disorders and appetitive aggression, which reduce successful integration into peaceful societies. In a randomized controlled clinical trial, we offered Narrative Exposure Therapy for Forensic Offender Rehabilitation (FORNET) to 15 ex-combatants with the goal of reducing traumatic stress and appetitive aggression compared to “treatment as usual.” Measures included the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview and the Appetitive Aggression Scale assessed prior to treatment and 2 weeks and 6 months after the treatment. We also assessed closeness to combatants as an index of reintegration. The treatment group reported reduced PTSD symptoms and less contact with combatants. Appetitive aggression decreased substantially in both groups. The results indicate that it is feasible to add psychological treatment to facilitate the reintegration process