Manal* is a Syrian woman who worked as a nurse in a government-run hospital. When officials prevented her from helping wounded members of the opposition, her convictions were tested and she felt compelled to leave her job. Days later, regime forces attacked her at home, dragging her into the street in her nightclothes.

Days later, regime forces attacked her at home, dragging her into the street in her nightclothes.”

Manal was held for days in a makeshift prison. She heard others cry out while raped and tortured. Eventually, she was interrogated on why she helped the opposition. The interrogators told her that she had to choose the number of men who would rape her. One was not an option. Fortunately, Manal’s brothers paid a ransom before she was assaulted.

Ultimately, Manal and her husband made their way to Amman, Jordan. There, she learned about CVT and received care from counselors and physiotherapists.

Despite the difficulty in recounting it, Manal insisted on telling her story for CVT’s report “Reclaiming Hope, Dignity and Respect,” because she did not want her torturers to silence her. This report tells the stories of survivors who have made their way to Amman and outlines recommendations on processes, policies, transitional justice and accountability.

As refugees, life still isn’t easy for Manal and her husband. But it’s changing. Manal refused to be silent and spoke out about her torture.

*Name and some details have been changed for safety and to protect confidentiality.

Funding for CVT’s work in Jordan is provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.