Rayan and Sara, two women with a difficult past, can now take control of their lives and look to the future
“I feel so happy, it’s like this is my marriage, not the one of 11 years ago. Now I am back to life and I am finally free” says Rayan, 24, from the Akkar governorate in Lebanon. When she was 14 years old, Rayan was forced into an early marriage imposed by her family. Intolerable traditions and gender-based violence, still accepted in the country, led to a years-long period of abuse. Physical, emotional and sexual violence committed by the partner, together with the impossibility of becoming independent and having access to resources. This is what women subjected to gender-based violence are forced to live with.
Sara is also from Lebanon, but from the southern part of the country. A marriage was arranged when she was only 15 years old, and the abuse by her partner began shortly afterwards. She lived for years in poor physical and mental health, caused by the constant violence she was subjected to. Social anxiety disorders, lack of self-confidence, constant paranoia, sleep disturbances and anger prevented her from going about her daily life.
INTERSOS has been in Lebanon since 2006 and thanks to funding from the European Union is carrying out interventions to support women in vulnerable situations in the North and South of the country. Psychosocial and financial assistance allow women survivors of gender-based violence to gain independence, new skills, physical and mental health.
“I am now totally aware of the reasons behind all the problems I was facing. I now understand that my father’s and my partner’s abuse interfered with my self-esteem and confidence. Through therapy and the emotional support group, I have not only been able to express myself and be listened to, but I have also developed new skills that have helped me cope better with my difficulties” Sara told us, who now feels more confident in relating to people and is able to build friendships and trust.
After attending an awareness session, Rayan agreed to be helped and supported to overcome her trauma. “I remember how hopeless Rayan felt, she never believed that she would be able to get her life under control and gain her freedom. During the journey she undertook with INTERSOS, Rayan proved to be determined, strong and capable of great resilience,“ said Karim, the social worker. “She has started to smile more often, to speak louder. Her story is one I won’t forget”. After eleven years of abuse, Rayan got divorced and is now working and financially independent.