This year, the appeal tells the story of how donations from the Scottish public have helped  women affected by sexual violence in the troubled eastern region of the DR Congo - an area in which decades of conflict have left a legacy of brutality and lawlessness.  Sexual violence and rape are widespread, women’s rights are often discarded, and thousands of women and girls need urgent help.

On their recent trip, Lorraine and Ricky met women that our local partners are supporting with medical care, trauma counselling, free legal support to prosecute their attackers and help so they and their families can become financially independent.