By MADRE | MADRE
Saraya was eight years old when she was sexually assaulted by her uncle. She was living in a dismal displacement camp with her family when one day she was left in their tent alone — until her uncle arrived. He threatened to kill her or turn her over to ISIS if she told anyone. Filled with fear, Saraya kept quiet for several days. But it was too traumatizing for her to hold it in any longer. Saraya found her courage and told her mother what happened.
A local activist heard about Saraya’s assault and notified our partner, the Organization for Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI). OWFI lit a light in the darkness and jumped into action. They sent Saraya to a health center so she could get the treatment she needed. She also had legal aid throughout the entire case — and all of this was at no cost to Saraya’s family thanks to your support.
The uncle’s family tried to pressure Saraya’s family. They offered money and promises to marry Saraya off to a community member when she grew up, but her parents wanted Saraya to gain full access to her rights through court. When OWFI heard about this they intervened and made sure Saraya’s family didn’t accept anything but justice for what had happened to their daughter.
After a long court battle, Saraya’s lawyers won. Her uncle was sentenced to life imprisonment. Thanks to OWFI’s support — and yours — Saraya is safe with her family. Thank you for lighting the way to safety and making this life-changing work like this possible.
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