Women Now for Development presents the documentary "I Was There", featuring two Syrian female survivors of gender-based violence recounting their stories and that of other women from within Damascus’ security branches

“In the solitary cell, I used to mark the days by drawing lines on the wall with a stone that came off the door,” says Ruwaida Kanaan, a former detention survivor.

The short documentary "I Was There", produced by Women Now for Development, went to the public on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, 30 August. It features two Syrian female survivors of SGBV reliving their and other women’s stories from the Damascus security branches. All of them were subjected to or witnessed severe torture, all forms of ill-treatment, or unlawful killing.

The true extent of SGBV in and outside detention centers is still unknown, and the stigma surrounding sexual violence in Syria continues to make victims reluctant to report abuse due to fear, shame, or risks they or their families may face if they speak about these crimes.

The documentary was produced as part of the Syria Road for Justice campaign. 

Click here to watch the film.