Mursal, the second BGV survivor, tells her story. We are three sisters. Our mother died ten years ago, and five months later, our father remarried a woman in Kabul. We were hopeful that our new stepmother would fill the void left by our mother and give us the love and care we needed. However, we were shocked by her harsh behavior from the beginning. She treated us badly, shouted at us, insulted us, and ignored us when we spoke. She even humiliated us in front of others and restricted our freedom. What distressed us the most was the indecent and abusive language she used, and we were unmarried but she cursed us constantly and made us work even in harsh weather. Our father was also disturbed by her treatment of us. He had remarried for our sake and wanted us to be happy, but her behavior discouraged him. He tried to talk to her about it, but she ignored him. For ten years, we endured this torture, and when we grew up, we finally spoke out against the violence and misery. I made the decision to escape after my stepmother severely beat me. With the help of a classmate, I sought refuge in the Safe Haven Centre, and I am grateful for her assistance. When my father came to the shelter, instead of comforting me, he berated me for leaving home. Her harsh words still haunt me. He asked why he had helped me grow up and told me to stay in the shelter forever. I was only five when my mother passed away, and we have not seen any happiness since. My siblings are displaced and living with my cousin in distressing conditions. We had a happy life before my mother’s passing. I have a message for all parents: please do not destroy your children’s lives, and support them. Parents are their children’s heroes. I want all families to stop violence against girls and give them equal rights. Life without family is hard, but I came here seeking a peaceful life without oppression and violence. Finally, I want to thank Human Rights Watch and media organizations for raising the concerns of victims who have suffered physical, psychological, and mental violence. Victims need support and compassion. I urge parents to stop family violence against women and girls so that their lives are not wasted.
HRWMO invited religious scholars, legal experts, and civil society activists to discuss and provide comprehensive insights into the problems faced by survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), who are subjected to physical, psychological, and mental violence. Interviews with survivors were broadcast through 52 local radio stations in 34 provinces to inform families about the serious consequences of violence against women and children.
“For more stories, please click here.”