Conceptualizing an appropriate framework for response is imperative. Here are 10 key questions to be considered:

1) Do the responses increase individuals’ access to affordable medical care for rape-related injuries?
2) Do they support therapists knowledgeable about both psychological disorders and cultural phenomena?
3) Will international aid workers collaborate with Congolese organizations seeking to shift their societies from war/danger mentalities to peace/safety mentalities?
4) How might the international community support the local re-conceptualization of economic arenas (fields, markets, et cetera) as safe havens, thus encouraging people to resume productivity?
5) Do the responses support Congolese organizations in reversing the processes of victim abandonment?
6) Do they provide locals with general economic and infrastructural assistance that can create income-generating opportunities for both victims and ex-combatants and can help surviving women rebuild their communities?
7) Do the responses help Congolese organizations promote women’s rights?
8) Do they, while seeking to improve the DRC’s judicial capacity, promote reconciliation efforts that locals respect?
9) Do the responses promote peace and security and establish enforceable conduct standards for security personnel?
10) Overall, do international responses recognize these rapes as attacks both upon the individual victims and upon their communities, and do they seek to rectify the problems suffered at both levels?