Mothers of children born of genocidal rape in Rwanda: Implications for mental health, well-being and psycho-social support interventions

Health Care Women Int. 2019;40(7-9):813-828. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2019.1571593. Epub 2019 May 14.

Abstract

We explored the reality of mothers of children born of rape during the Rwandan genocide, particularly as it related to psychological well-being, stigma, recovery, and discussed relevant issues for mental health and psycho-social support interventions. Forty-four mothers participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Participants reported long-term psychological impacts resulting from sexual violence. Stigmatization and rejection from family and community aggravated psychological distress and affected their capacity to recover. Given participants' demonstrated capacity to overcome adversity, culturally appropriate mental health interventions are needed to promote well-being and social reintegration of mothers who bore children born of rape, while reducing stigmatization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Culturally Competent Care
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Genocide / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health / ethnology
  • Middle Aged
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Rape / psychology*
  • Rwanda
  • Social Stigma
  • Social Support
  • Survivors