Sexual abuse remains a deeply sensitive issue in Iraq, with many survivors opting to remain silent due to fears of family backlash and social stigma. However, Amal chose to pursue justice and promptly reported her case to the police.
Amal recounted, “He had bruised my wrists after gripping my hands tightly. Whenever I tried to scream, he covered my mouth.”
She provided medical documents, including DNA evidence, supporting her claims. Amal also revealed that her ex-husband showed his cruel nature when he instructed a family member to “wash off our disgrace” if he faced arrest, a phrase used in Iraq linked to honour killings, which are believed to restore a family’s reputation when a woman is thought to have shamed it.
She alleged that her ex-husband threatened to kill their daughter to prevent the medical report from being disclosed and the assault being proven.
Currently, her ex-husband is evading authorities, and the court case remains unresolved.
“I fought all alone,” Amal said, tears streaming down her face. Her ex-husband employed several lawyers, while she could not afford legal representation, and her family chose to ignore her plight.
Amal expressed her loss of faith in the judicial system: “I just want him to stay out of my way forever,” she sighed, filled with despair.
