INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN EASTERN DRC PERPETRATOR STUDY TO UNDERSTAND MILITARY MOTIVES AND BEHAVIORS Another important area of research centers on understanding the motives that drive perpetrators to commit such brutal acts of violence in a systematic manner. In particular, it will be important to compare the experiences and attitudes of multiple militias in order to better understand how behaviors around sexual violence vary amongst groups. Other important areas of research include learning more about female combatants and women living with militias, understanding how the patterns of violence differ depending on which armed militia controls the region, and examining the effectiveness of the demobilization process within DRC. Better understanding the role of armed combatants in sexual violence can lead to an assessment of the implications for interventions and improved demobilization strategies with armed groups. EVALUATION OF HYPER-VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN MINING COMMUNITIES The coltan and gold mines of North and South Kivu have long been hotbeds of militia activity, child labor and sexual exploitation of the surrounding population. We speculate that local mining communities have been predisposed to rape as a weapon of war by virtue of their close proximity to the mines and the armed military groups operating in the surrounding areas. Little is known, however, about the relationship between sexual violence and the struggle to control these rich natural resources. Further research in these areas can shed light on the predatory behaviors of militias and promote strategies for the protection of women and girls in local mining communities. INVESTIGATION OF HIV TRANSMISSION PATTERNS IN EASTERN DRC Although it seems plausible that HIV transmission might be accelerated in the context of sexual violence in South Kivu, population level data do not support this hypothesis. A 2007 systematic review found no apparent differences between HIV prevalence in Eastern and Western DRC and reported that the HIV prevalence in Eastern DRC was similar to or lower than the prevalence at sentinel sites in Rwanda and Burundi.(69) Furthermore, Panzi Hospital reports an HIV prevalence of 4.5%.(64) Thus, there is a discrepancy between what one might expect (based on the extent of rape in South Kivu and the violent nature of the assaults) and what the existing data indicate. This discrepancy calls for further study to investigate HIV transmission patterns between sexual violence perpetrators and survivors. A better understanding of transmission patterns will facilitate the allocation HIV/AIDS resources within the context of the war, including instituting HIV testing, offering HIV prophylaxis and treating HIV/AIDS infections. FAMILY PLANNING We are also interested in understanding the outcomes of pregnancies that arise from sexual violence given that abortion in illegal in DRC, given that adoption is uncommon in Congolese culture and given that Panzi Hospital staff report treating complications of illegal abortions. 51