Iraq: Local NGO warns of rising cases of sexual abuse

While fewer than five cases were reported per year in the Hussein's era, nearly 60 women have been raped in Baghdad since February, while another 80 were abused in other ways, according to the NGO.

Activists say the main reasons for the increase is the marginalization of the population, lack of security and the negative psychological effects associated with war. Women of all ages face abuse, while there are also cases of men and boys being raped by unidentified gangs.

The Ministry of Interior has issued notices warning women not to go out alone:

"This is a Muslim county and any attack on a woman's modesty is also an attack on our religious beliefs," said Senior Ministry official, Salah Ali. "These gangs will pay for the pain they've caused." Ali added that several rape cases were currently being investigated and urged women to report any abuse.

In Mosques, both Sunni and Shi'ite leaders have used their weekly sermons to spread awareness of this issue and have advised their largely male congregations to keep women safe at home rather than allowing them go out to work.

These incidents of abuse just prove what we have been saying for so long," said Sheikh Salah Muzidin, an Imam at a central Mosque in Baghdad:

"That it is the Islamic duty of women to stay in their homes, looking after their children and husbands rather than searching for work especially with the current lack of security in the country.

IRIN reported in Push Journal 15/Jun/06
SOURCE: Push Journal, 15/Jun/06