Sexual violence related to terrorism: Psychological care for Yazidi women in Iraq

Abstract

ObjectivesFrom 2018 to 2022, the Lebanese Association of Victims of Terrorism (AVT-L), in collaboration with the United Nations (UNODC, United Nations Office for Drug and Crime) and with the support of the government of the Netherlands, conducted a project to provide psychological care to victims of terrorism in Iraq. PatientsNinety Yezidi women participated in this program. Each participant had experienced sexual violence during the control of part of Iraqi territory by the jihadists of the Islamic State group (ISIS) between 2014 and 2018. After a semi-structured interview, these Yezidi women first participated in experience-sharing sessions for three consecutive days. Then, they benefited from an individual psychological follow-up for 6 months. Materials and methodsOver the last ten years, the association's team has developed a protocol that combines art therapy with group and individual psychotherapy. The care is regularly evaluated. From the first interview, the psychologist uses the results of the Traumaq. An evaluation tool that assesses trauma-related symptoms. Subsequently, the PCL5 scale is used to measure the evolution of the symptoms. A considerable support that is studied in resonance with the life story and the social, personal, and professional evolution of each person. ResultsAt the end of the psychological support sessions, significant changes were observed, particularly for criteria B and D of the DSM-5. We recorded a reduction in intrusive memories, as well as an improvement in emotional and physical reactions to these memories. Feelings of guilt had subsided and a significant improvement in sleep and concentration was noted. Participants experienced an improvement in their self-esteem, with a desire to pursue studies and active projects in their community. However, anger regarding injustice and lack of compensation remains palpable. This work culminated in supporting and accompanying these women in making their voices heard at the United Nations headquarters in New York. ConclusionsIn this paper, we will highlight the beneficial aspects of art therapy used in this program. We will emphasize the value of clay art therapy particular within this context.