Goma: Since the 1990s, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been plagued by ongoing armed conflicts, fueled by internal tensions, regional instability, and the lasting impacts of colonialism. Presently, over 100 active armed groups operate within the country, exacerbating the situation. According to Global Voices, the conflict that currently devastates eastern DRC began in 2012 when rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23) took up arms in North Kivu Province. They claimed that the central DRC government had failed to honor a 2009 peace agreement with M23's predecessor, the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP). The unrest has led to widespread sexual violence against women, perpetrated not only by soldiers and armed rebels but also by civilians exploiting their vulnerability as they seek domestic work. Charline, a young woman in her twenties, fell victim to such violence while looking for work. She recounted her harrowing experience of being raped by a civilian while on a job at a home. The incident left her traumatized and fearful of reporting the crime. This scenario is all too common for many women displaced by war in the region, who are easy targets for predators while trying to support their families. At the Don Bosco refugee camp in Ngangi, a mother of two explained the dire conditions they face. She described how men exploit their desperate need for work to abuse them, making it challenging to report these incidents due to fear and dependency. Semu Sikulimwenge, Clinical Psychologist at HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma, emphasized the importance of empowering victims through income-generating activities to foster economic independence and resilience. Recognizing the legal implications, Attorney Patrick Musambali highlighted that such acts are severe violations of the Congolese Penal Code. Yet, fear of reprisals often prevents victims from reporting these crimes, though some are beginning to take a stand through awareness campaigns. Efforts to combat sexual violence include aware ness-raising campaigns led by leaders like Eugénie Wimana at the Don Bosco displaced persons camp. With support from humanitarian organizations, some displaced individuals have started small-scale businesses to regain autonomy. Psychosocial support is also deemed crucial by professionals like Sikulimwenge to provide victims a safe space for expression. Women Power, a rights organization, plays a vital role in addressing these issues by raising awareness, advocating for legal action against perpetrators, and providing psychological and medical care to victims. They also help women at risk of violence start small businesses to avoid exploitation. Officials and advocates stress the need for an environment where survivors feel safe to report their abusers. Punitive measures against perpetrators are essential to curb the cycle of violence and prevent further crimes.