From isolation and abuse to building her family home: Darleine's story, DR Congo

DARLEINE KAZINGUFU is an local, single mother of a one-month-old baby girl. She lives in  Bundji, a peripheral neighborhood southwest of Beni. On January 21, 2025, we met Darleine at a nearby safe space after being notified by the local protection committee, which had conducted an awareness campaign against sexual and gender-based violence in the Bundji community.

She was interviewed by a DRC staff case manager and was integrated into the case management process, a psychosocial support approach providing holistic assistance to survivors of GBV.

"From a young age, we were raised by our mother as our father died too soon. Unfortunately, in 2013, our mother also passed away. After her death, we remained in our home with 5 children: three girls and two boys. We had a tough life, leading my two older sisters to take refuge in marriage without choice. My two brothers and I remained. Suddenly, one of them also got married. By then, the walls of our old house began to crumble, and eventually, the entire house collapsed. My younger brother and I had no choice but to seek shelter with our older sister. Upon arriving, unfortunately, my younger brother fell ill and died in April 2024. Meanwhile, my elder sister never stopped causing me emotional pain, saying it's impossible for two women to be in the same house. I understood she wanted to distance me from her husband’s temptations. Desperate and with nowhere to go, I was abused by a displaced man who disappeared once he found out I was pregnant. The only remaining older brother offered logs and reeds to build a shelter on the plot our late parents left us, but we lacked sheets, doors, windows, and nails. It was his way of getting rid of me and my pregnancy since he couldn't support me. I was completely lost, not knowing what to do with my life and the pregnancy I was carrying. I cried every day alone in my isolated corner, with no one to comfort me.

By chance, a DRC team raising awareness about GBV spoke to me about their activities, which eased my burden. That’s how I got in contact with DRC. I shared my problems with the focal point introduced to me. Thus, in March 2025, I received cash for the missing construction materials for the house, and in May 2025, I also received essential materials for the baby’s maternity. This gesture was a lifesaver for me. I realized that God never abandons orphans.

By early September, I believe we will have already finished applying the mud to the walls of the shelter. My brothers and other friends have agreed to help with this task, and I plan to move into the shelter built with DRC’s support. I already feel alive; I will be independent, and no one will be able to reject me again. With this house, I will be able to calmly think about my personal organization. I can sell anything I want in front of my house, and no one will come to question me. I cannot find the right words to thank you; it is simply a miracle from God delivered through you. I pray that God abundantly blesses you."