Tragically, violent sexual abuse has become a modern weapon of war, used to inflict humiliation and deep suffering upon its victims and, by spreading the HIV virus and destroying women’s marriages and reproductive capacity, the genocide of future generations.

The victims of this methodical brutality, mostly women and girls—but also children, and even babies—bear physical and psychological scars for life, if they survive what for many becomes a pattern of repeated abuse. Many victims find themselves pregnant, carrying offspring of the “enemy,” or discover they’ve been infected with AIDS. Married victims are cast off by their husbands. Unmarried victims are marked and spurned for life. All find themselves rejected by their families and local communities, casualties of war.

Because of our love for Jesus, our hearts cry out for justice against perpetrators of systematic sexual violence and for mercy upon their victims. We serve women and children who have been victimized, recognizing that victims of oppression are among those whom Jesus considers to be the “least of these” (Matthew 25:31-46).

We’re partnering with indigenous pastors, chaplains, and Christian social workers who, often at the risk of their own lives, reach into ravaged communities to help victims not just survive, but blossom through the enabling power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the support of their spiritual family around the world.

Pastor Simeon Muhunga is one such partner. He leads a team of chaplains who help victims in DR Congo find acceptance, restoration and hope. Through their brave efforts, they have established the Women’s Wellness Center, a place where women can receive:

• Biblically-based counseling, as well as Bible studies where they will hear the gospel
• Refuge from the conflict, and an environment of acceptance where Christ’s love is expressed through caring staff
• Vocational training to help victims learn skills by which they can become self-supporting
• Medical aid and nutritional sustenance