### Domestic violence in Kinshasa: beyond the battle for justice, a fight for dignity
In Kinshasa, as in many cities around the world, women are fighting daily to have their dignity recognized in the face of a system that often seems deaf to their suffering. The tragedy of domestic violence is not only a question of laws and procedures; It is part of a complex socio -cultural context where patriarchal standards predominate, amplifying the difficulties encountered by the victims in their quest for justice. Taking a step back on this situation highlights not only legal obstacles, but also social and economic mechanisms at work.
####a legalization of rights, but an overwhelming reality
As indicated by the testimonies collected by Fatshimetrie.org, Congolese law recognizes women’s rights and condemns domestic violence. However, the implementation of these laws remains faulty. This dissonance underlines a widespread phenomenon: legalization does not guarantee effective application. According to studies carried out in other countries in sub -Saharan Africa, even when the laws are clear, their execution can be paralyzed by factors such as corruption within the police and the judicial system, the lack of training of agents, And the cultural reluctance to tackle family problems within the public sphere.
Data from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) reveal that in many cases, less than 10 % of women victims of violence file a complaint. This trend is also reflected in Kinshasa, where fear of reprisals and social stigma often pushes victims to be silent. This omerta contributes to the persistence of the cycle of violence, where the attackers continue to rage in a climate of impunity. The testimonies of women expose bluntly observation: society often perceives violence as a fatality, an anomaly which does not belong to the public domain.
#### The sails of silence: a public health issue
Domestic violence is not limited to physical injuries; It also has psychological and health consequences. Women victims of violence are often faced with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that these psychological disorders can alter the quality of life and lead to destructive behavior, such as alcoholism or self-sloping women.
The management of this suffering requires an integrated vision which goes beyond simple law. Integrated interventions that group together awareness, access to psychological care, and socio-economic support are essential. Similar initiatives have been successfully deployed in other countries in similar situations, where NGOs have established programs to support women by providing them with a solid support network.
#### towards economic autonomy as a key to liberation
A crucial point that emerges from testimonies is the lack of financial autonomy. Economic dependence on the aggressor is one of the reasons that prevent women from leaving violent situations. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), one of the major brakes on the empowerment of women in companies like that of Kinshasa lies in the lack of access to stable and remunerative jobs.
To break the cycle of violence, it is fundamental to consider economic solutions. Micro-credit and vocational training programs could provide women with the tools necessary to provide for their needs and free themselves from the grip of their attackers. At the same time, the creation of reception structures for women in difficulty, such as refuge houses, could offer a temporary solution to those who seek to escape violence.
### A call for social action and empowerment
The testimonies that we have collected also highlight the urgent need for a change of mentality within the Congolese company. The responsibility of communities is essential to put an end to the impunity of the attackers and support the victims in their quest for justice. The establishment of awareness campaigns on women’s rights and the consequences of domestic violence could make it possible to transform mentalities, by prevailing these issues from the private domain to the public domain.
In this context, civil society, the media, and local governments must collaborate to create a space where the stories of the victims are no longer reduced to silence, but become calls for solidarity and resistance. The recent adoption of laws strengthening the fight against violence against women is an encouraging signal, but it is now essential to act so that these laws translate concretely in the daily life of the Congolese.
### Conclusion
The fight for justice and the dignity of women victims of violence in Kinshasa represents a multidimensional fight which goes far beyond the judicial framework. It implies a deep socio -cultural transformation ensuring gender equality, economic security, and above all, unconditional respect for human rights. For this to become a reality, it is essential that all the actors of Congolese society become aware of their role in this struggle, because, as an old adage underlines: “None of us is as intelligent as all together