Domestic violence increases in occupied Idlib
“I was subjected to violence and mistreatment by my husband. I have been suffering from abdominal pain, excessive sweating and shortness of breath for nine months,” said 19-year-old Mona Al-İdris, who lives in the occupied Idlib.
HADEEL Al-OMAR
Idlib- Women and girls are the most affected by wars and conflicts. Due to ongoing Syrian war, women and girls face many problems such as displacement, domestic violence, sexual assault, poverty, exploitation, unemployment, early and forced marriage, and diseases. In Idlib, occupied by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions, many women are subjected to domestic violence.
‘I am subjected to violence by my husband’
Mona Al-İdris (19) is one of the women, who are subjected to domestic violence in Idlib. “I was subjected to violence and mistreatment by my husband. I have been suffering from abdominal pain, excessive sweating, shortness of breath and left-side chest pain for nine months. I went to the doctor but the doctor could not diagnose me. The doctor told me that all symptoms are psychological symptoms.”
She left her husband
Mona Al-Idris left her husband about four months ago. “He enjoyed using violence against me. I had a tragic life. Depression, panic and fear also negatively affected my physical health. So, I decided to leave him.”
‘My health problems started to disappear after I left my husband’
23-year-old Rawan Al-Abdo is a displaced woman from Ma'arrat Nu'man, a city in northwestern Syria. She was also subjected to domestic violence by her husband. “I was often subjected to violence and harassment by my husband,” she said. “I had many health problems; I suffered from headaches and skin allergies.”
Rawan Al-Abdo went to a doctor; however, the doctor could not diagnose her. “My health problems started to disappear after I left my husband. Before I left my husband, I was always depressed. I did not talk to anyone.”
‘Violence affects women's health’
In an interview with NuJINHA, psychologist and social counselor Widad Al-Bakr spoke about the effects of gender-based violence on women. “Violence can negatively affect women's physical and mental health. They suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological problems experienced by them can also affect physical health.”