Death threats and isolation – the cost of fighting sexual violence in Iraq

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For years, sexual abuse has been shrouded in secrecy across Iraq. Survivors such as Amal prefer to keep the matter hidden, fearing retaliation from their families. Others avoid reporting incidents because they worry about profound social stigma and potential harassment. Determined to obtain justice, Amal rushed to the police to file a formal complaint.

“She bears numerous bruises along her wrists, as he gripped her hands tightly. Even when she struggled to speak, he muffled her by covering her mouth with his hands,” Amal tells the reporter.

Amal submitted medical papers, including DNA analysis, that substantiate her account.

Furthermore, her former husband’s cruelty was evident when he advised a relative to “wash off our disgrace” if he were arrested—a colloquialism in Iraq that signals an honour killing, justified as a means to restore a family’s honor.

Amal learned that her ex‑husband is currently evading authorities, leaving the ongoing court case unresolved.

“I fought completely on my own,” Amal sobs, revealing that despite hiring multiple lawyers, she could not afford legal representation and her family concealed the wrongdoing.

She feels little confidence that a judicial decision will favor her, stating, “I simply want him to stay out of my path forever.”

“)][Iraq Survivor Describes Brutal Sexual Abuse, Faces Life‑Threatening Threats and Isolation]

For years, sexual abuse has been shrouded in secrecy across Iraq. Survivors such as Amal prefer to keep the matter hidden, fearing retaliation from their families. Others avoid reporting incidents because they worry about profound social stigma and potential harassment. Determined to obtain justice, Amal rushed to the police to file a formal complaint.

“She bears numerous bruises along her wrists, as he gripped her hands tightly. Even when she struggled to speak, he muffled her by covering her mouth with his hands,” Amal tells the reporter.

Amal submitted medical papers, including DNA analysis, that substantiate her account.

Moreover, her former husband’s cruelty was evident when he advised a relative to “wash off our disgrace” if he were arrested—a colloquialism in Iraq that signals an honour killing, justified as a means to restore a family’s honor.

Amal learned that her ex‑husband is currently evading authorities, leaving the ongoing court case unresolved.

“I fought completely on my own,” Amal sobs, revealing that despite hiring multiple lawyers, she could not afford legal representation and her family concealed the wrongdoing.

She feels little confidence that a judicial decision will favor her, stating, “I simply want him to stay out of my path forever.”

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