Hello Syria

A Syrian ex-pat in Washington told The Telegraph in an April 25, 2012, article that she is helping coordinate gynecological care for a group of women and girls, aged 11 to 46, who have been raped in Syria. Eleven women have needed abortions following pregnancy resulting from rape, she said. Originally from Baba Amr or Idlib, the women were moved to Aleppo for abortions because of safety concerns. Additionally, many women are reportedly seeking hymen reconstruction surgery in order to “appear virgins again.” Psychological trauma is also common. “They are all safe now, but when I called some of them, they were in hysterics,” the woman told The Telegraph about the survivors. “All have suffered severe psychological trauma because of what they’ve gone through.” The women and girls have also had injury to their internal organs because of rape. The following is a “medical note written by a Syrian doctor and stamped by the Ministry of Health attesting to types of injuries common to rape victims.” The names and identifying information of both the doctor and patient have been removed. “To Whom It May Concern: “I have reviewed the case of _______, the daughter of Hassan, on Wednesday, date _______. She was suffering from bruising and tears along the posterior vaginal wall, along with tears in the anal sphincter. These injuries were the result of a sexual rape. A surgical procedure was done repairing the wall of the vagina and the sphincter. She is now in the hospital recuperating. “Signed, Surgical consultant. This report was written free from duress.” The dates of the reported rapes are unknown. Because Syrian government officials currently refuse to allow access to journalists, researchers, and aid workers, Women Under Siege cannot independently verify this report of sexualized violence in Syria.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/michaelweiss/100153001/assads-thugs-are-raping-and-impregnating-women-in-syria/

(Source: womenundersiegesyria.crowdmap.com)