No, the Observatory does not document every case of domestic violence in the DRC. First, the Observatory seeks to respond to the dual challenge of the general lack of data on GBV and the under-reporting of domestic violence cases. Currently, most information on the different types of domestic violence and their consequences is anecdotal. Thus, the Observatory facilitates the systematic collection of primary data on domestic violence by SOFEPADI and a number of partner organizations (local, national and international NGOs) in several geographic areas of the country. The seven areas are the city-province of Kinshasa and the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Grand Kasai, Maniema, and Tshopo. The Observatory has put in place mechanisms that allow for the continuous collection and periodic analysis of the data collected to better understand the extent of domestic violence and its different manifestations. The Observatory thus allows for a better understanding of the types of domestic violence committed by various groups of perpetrators against certain groups of victims in a given period and in a specific geographical area.

The Observatory follows a human rights-based approach and therefore uses the term “victim” in reference to people who have suffered a violation of their rights. This term is used when referring to the commission of an act of domestic violence or when discussing certain aspects of the justice system, for example. We use the term “survivors” when the focus is on the healing process of the person who has suffered from domestic violence.

If your organization is interested in joining the Observatory to contribute to data collection and outreach activities in your area of intervention, please contact us via the contact form.