SALAM ALUMAR

Idlib- Women and girls living in Idlib, a city in northwestern Syria controlled by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are subjected to all forms of violence, especially domestic violence. The reasons for the increase in domestic violence are early marriages, economic crisis, lack of laws protecting women and girls from violence, traditions and customs, according to the activists in the city.

The Women Empowerment Center supports women survivors of violence in the city. NuJINHA spoke to some of the women receiving support from the center.

 Sera Abdullah, 26, is one of the survivors of violence. “I was first subjected to psychological and then physical violence by my husband,” said Sera Abdullah, who faced social pressure when she wanted a divorce. “I applied to the center to receive psychological support. The center has changed my life because I have learned how to deal with violence.”

The story of Ranya Yusuf reveals the situation of a woman trapped between violence and social pressure. Ranya Yusuf got a divorce after being subjected to domestic violence for years. However, her family accused her of being the “reason for the divorce”.

“My family does not allow me to go out alone. I receive psychological support from the center now.”

‘Children are also affected’

“Most of the women receiving support from the center have serious mental health problems such as stress, trauma, anxiety and depression,” said Rahab Araboo, one of the activists of the center. “Children are also affected by violence against women. Awareness raising activities play an important role in preventing violence against women,” Rahab Araboo said, highlighting the importance of enacting laws protecting women.”

The Women Empowerment Center in Idlib provides psychological and legal support to women survivors of violence and it aims to empower women by raising awareness. “All people in society must take action to eliminate violence against women,” Rahab Araboo said.