The ABA ROLI staff psychologist.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the rates of rape and other forms of sexual violence are among the highest in the world.  The UN estimates that over 500,000 women have been victims of rape and sexual violence since conflict erupted in 1996.  Left Brain/Right Brain Productions collaborated with the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative to create a documentary about their work combating sexual violence in the DRC.  The film will premier in D.C. in late March (with a Chicago screening to follow), and will be used to raise awareness, and increase resources dedicated to eradicating sexual violence in the DRC.

During the filming of the documentary, director Malachi Leopold had access to a military tribunal, took some stunning photographs, was put in prison, and learned how young the rape victims can be.

The ABA helps create mobile courts, provides free counseling to victims, organizes pro bono lawyers, and promotes education and awareness on sexual violence in the DRC.  You can learn more about the history of the crisis, and how the ABA’s Rule of Law initiative is addressing urgent needs in Central Africa.