"I endured the unimaginable in detention – abuse, humiliation, and unspeakable violence. Those memories plagued my days and nights, shattering my spirit. I often wished for an escape from the torment," shared Salma with the case manager at the Women and Girls Safe Space in the Zaatari camp.
Salma*, a 37-year-old Syrian woman, had her life's narrative woven in the shadows of war. Arrested during the conflict, she became a voice for countless women who endured unspeakable violence, exploitation, and humiliation. Detention brought her face-to-face with the worst of humanity, a trauma that continued to haunt her even after escape.
Every closed room brought back the horrors of detention. Trapped, I felt hopeless, yearning for an escape from this life.
For almost a year, Salma carried the heavy weight of sexual violence and exploitation she endured in detention. Escaping to Jordan in 2013 with her three children didn't free her from the clutches of her past. Fear and uncertainty gnawed at her, and her life was marred by self-blame, nightmares, and crippling memories.
The camp's environment presented a new challenge as Salma struggled to adjust, even facing an abusive marriage forced upon her. Living in perpetual fear and torment, she confided, "Every closed room brought back the horrors of detention. Trapped, I felt hopeless, yearning for an escape from this life."
Through the Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) outreach team, supported by UNFPA, Salma discovered a lifeline. The safe space became a haven of transformation, where she met a case manager who gave her the courage to share her harrowing experiences. Through case management, she received tailored support, including psychosocial aid and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health services, offered in collaboration with the Jordanian Health Aid Society (JHAS).
Over time, Salma's journey led her to empowerment. The heavy shackles of her past began to loosen, and her mental and emotional well-being improved. The scars of her history no longer held her hostage.
Today, Salma stands as a symbol of transformation. Empowered and independent, she's surpassed her own expectations. "I never thought I'd escape the nightmare," Salma reflects. "But the safe space and the case manager helped me rewrite my story. Now, I'm strong, self-reliant, and a pillar of support for others in my community."
*Name changed for confidentiality and protection.
EU Humanitarian Aid is the kind donor that supports the Reproductive Health Clinic as well as the Women & Girls Safe Space in Zaatari Camp.
