Citation

Denov M, Piolanti A. Health Care Women Int. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-16.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07399332.2019.1571593

PMID

31084535

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.

Language: en