HADEEL Al-OMAR

Idlib- Domestic violence is on the rise in Idlib due to the lack of laws protecting women from violence. Most women experiencing domestic violence have to remain silent because they have nowhere to go due to financial difficulties. NuJINHA spoke to two women experiencing domestic violence by their husbands in the Salqin town of Idlib.

 ‘I have nowhere to go’

28-year-old Laila Al-Jarro has been subjected to violence by her husband for years. “I want to file a complaint and get a divorce. However, I do not dare due to poverty and lack of job opportunities,” said Laila Al-Jarro, who has been suffering from psychological problems due to violence experienced by her. “If I ask for a divorce, I will sleep in the streets because I have no relatives or nowhere to go.”

Her violent husband released after being held in detention for several hours

25-year-old Walaa Al-Haj Hamdo is one of the survivors of domestic violence. She filed a criminal complaint against her husband when he broke her arm. “Despite the medical report proving that he had used violence against me, he was released after being held in detention for several hours. I divorced my husband. Since our divorce, he has not allowed me to see my children.”

‘Women are forced to endure violence in silence’

Speaking about the lack of laws protecting women and girls from domestic violence, Walaa Al-Hamdo said, “Women experiencing domestic violence in Idlib have no centers protecting women from violence, defending their rights and providing job opportunities to them. Most women are forced to endure violence in silence because they have nowhere to go.”

‘Women need protection mechanisms’

Psychologist Lama Hamidou drew attention to the increase in domestic violence in Idlib. Speaking about the lack of deterrent legislations, she said, “One of the reasons for the increase in domestic violence is the lack of deterrent legislations. Authorities do not fulfill their responsibilities.” Lama Hamidou also said that victims of gender-based violence needed psychological support.

“Human rights organizations should take urgent steps to eliminate violence against women. Women experiencing violence may kill themselves. Women need protection mechanisms. Human rights organizations and women’s organizations should provide both psychological and financial support to survivors of violence so that they can rebuild their lives. Women need a law protecting themselves from violence.”