The women exposing abuse in Iraq | BBC News

Sexual Violence and Harassment in Iraq

The true scale of sexual violence and harassment in Iraq is unknown because many cases go unreported. Survivors interviewed by the BBC described fearing family backlash, victim-blaming, and not being taken seriously by police.

One mother, whose identity is concealed, said her underage daughter was repeatedly raped by her father. She said medical and DNA records supported the allegation, but the father threatened an honour killing, and she was pressured to withdraw some claims. The court case remains open, and he is reportedly on the run.

Other women described street harassment and said they avoided telling their families because they feared restrictions on their freedom. Iraq has few shelters for abused women, and activists say a lack of income and safe places leaves many survivors especially vulnerable.

Women’s rights campaigners also face threats. Activist Yanar Muhammad, who founded shelters, was killed outside her Baghdad home; no one has been charged.

An activist identified as Sarah has used social media to help women document alleged abuse. She says videos can expose harassers and provide evidence, but she has faced death threats, threats of acid attacks, and online abuse.

The report notes that Iraq’s penal code does not specifically define sexual harassment. Campaigners are calling for stronger laws and deterrents. The government says it has received about 300 reports of sexual harassment so far this year, while acknowledging that social customs discourage reporting. An Interior Ministry representative said there are ways to report misconduct by officers and described such incidents as limited.

The report concludes that legal and security reforms must be accompanied by changes in attitudes, amid conservative social pressures and political priorities that often sideline women’s rights.

Presenters and Contributors

• Sally Nabil — BBC reporter in Baghdad
• Samira — survivor of harassment, using a pseudonym
• Sarah — women’s rights activist
• An unnamed mother — describes her daughter’s alleged abuse; her identity is concealed
• An unnamed Interior Ministry representative