Statement of the Problem: In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rural villagers have endured more than 16 years of conflict. Villagers have described the individual, family and social impact of violence and poverty as important to consider in both research and intervention. The overall goal of this study was to understand the effects of multiple and different types of conflict and non-conflict related trauma on family relationships and social interaction in South Kivu Province, DRC.
Method: Participants in this study were adult residents (16 years and older) of 10 selected villages who were members of an impact evaluation of a livestock based microfinance program, Pigs for Peace. Using baseline data from the study, papers 1 and 2 employ linear and logistic regression to explore relationships between variables. Paper 1 explores the relationship between exposure to traumatic events and current symptoms of poor mental health on social interaction. Paper 2 explores the relationship between exposure to multiple and different conflict-related trauma events, family rejection and poor mental health. Paper 3 includes in-depth interviews with perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence.
Results: Findings illustrate the importance of family relationships and social interaction to well-being. PTSD and specific trauma exposures were related to less frequent social interaction. Experience of family rejection was associated with trauma experience and poor mental health. IPV victims and perpetrators described the multiple individual, family and community consequences of violence as important.
Conclusion: The results show the importance of addressing the multiple and different types of conflict trauma and IPV. Developing an equal partnership with local communities to identify problems, priorities and solutions is important. The findings indicate that use of a socio-ecological model may facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of needs and intervention options in post-conflict settings
