Domestic Violence Resources

Support for Women Facing Gender-Based Violence in Iraq and Kurdistan Region of Iraq

If you are experiencing gender-based violence, know that you are not alone. While the challenges can seem overwhelming, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and find support. Below is a guide to help you navigate this difficult time.

1. Understanding Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) includes physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. It can occur in many forms, including domestic violence, forced marriage, sexual harassment, and more. Recognizing that you are experiencing violence is the first step towards seeking help. Check out our Understanding Gender-Based Violence Resource to read and learn more about what it means and how it affects women in Iraq.

2. Safety Planning

Creating a safety plan tailored to your specific situation can help protect you from further harm.

  • Immediate Danger: If you are in immediate danger, prioritize your safety. If possible, go to a safe place, such as a trusted friend’s home, a public area, or a relative’s house. Keep important documents, some money, and a phone accessible in case you need to leave quickly.
  • Communication: Maintain discreet communication with someone you trust. Use code words or signals that you can use in an emergency. This person should know how to respond if you are in danger.
  • Children’s Safety: If you have children, plan how they can stay safe. Teach them to call for help and identify a trusted adult they can go to if needed.
  • Technology Safety: Be aware that abusers might monitor your phone or online activities. Consider using a safe device, and clear your browsing history if searching for help online.

3. Emotional Support

Coping with violence can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Finding ways to manage stress and maintain hope is essential.

  • Confide in Someone: Talking to someone you trust can provide emotional relief. This might be a friend, family member, or a local community leader who understands your situation.
  • Counseling and Support Groups: While formal counseling services may not be widely available, some local organizations and online platforms offer support. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide comfort and strength.
  • Be wary of bad advice and fake attempts of reconciliation: Unfortunately, in some cases, people may not know what’s best for abuse victims. Culturally in this region, many people have the propensity to push women back into harms way rather than helping her move out of and away from domestic violence situations. In Iraq, the reconciliation approach can be problematic, and in our experience, it is often not adequate as many times the abuser has not undergone any sort of treatment or therapy to help him escape the sickness of being abusive. Further, this method of prioritizing reconciliation of the family may come at the cost of the safety of the victim. Therefore, if you are the victim of GBV, it is important to be aware of this dynamic and attitude within Iraqi society, and to be mindful of the coercive cultural attitudes you may experience.

4. Legal Resources

Understanding your legal rights is important, however, in Iraq the legal framework is not as robust for women and there are significant challenges women face.

  • Know Your Rights: Unfortunately in Iraq, the legal rights and resources for women in domestic violence are lacking. However, a growing number of cities are implementing police units to help women experiencing domestic violence. To find if your city has a station like this, you may have to contact the police station to find the address. Generally, they will require evidence through the form of medical documentation to reveal if there has been physical abuse. This is why it’s important to document all abuse and injuries with photo and video where possible and safe to do so.
  • Document the Abuse: Keep records of any violence you experience, including dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. Photographs and messages can also be important evidence. Please read our resource on the Importance of Documenting Abuse for further details.
  • Legal Assistance: If possible, try to speak with a lawyer in your area. Some international NGOs may provide some assistance, for example, Al-Amal Association, which might be an option if local resources are limited.

5. Community and International Resources

While shelters may not be available, there are other ways to seek support.

  • Local Organizations: Reach out to women’s organizations or human rights groups in your area. They may offer resources, legal aid, or connections to other services.
  • Online Support: Various international organizations provide online counseling, legal advice, and resources. Websites such as UN Women, Amnesty International, and others offer guidance and support tailored to your region.
  • Hotlines: In some countries, hotlines are available for immediate advice and support. If a hotline exists in your country, save the number in a secure place.

6. Planning for the Future

Thinking about the future can be difficult, but it’s important to consider long-term safety and well-being.

  • Education and Employment: If possible, pursue opportunities for education or employment, which can provide financial independence and reduce dependence on an abusive circumstances.
  • Rebuilding Your Life: After leaving an abusive situation, focus on rebuilding your life. This may include finding safe housing, seeking emotional and psychological support, and establishing a support network.

7. Remember: You Are Not Alone

Many women across the Middle East face similar challenges. While it may feel isolating, know that there is a global community of women and organizations dedicated to supporting you. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Important Contacts and Resources

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