Member of Internal Forces Command: Protecting women from violence is our mission

A member of the General Command of the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria, Helat Mohammed, spoke to ANHA's agency about the importance of protecting women, women's self-defense, and how to punish perpetrators of violence against them in the region of North and East Syria.

Helat Mohammed praised the activists who fight against authoritarian mentality, condemned violence against women worldwide, and mentioned that their mission is to protect the people in general and women in particular. She emphasized that self-defense is very important and explained that the approach to protecting women began in the region of North and East Syria with the establishment of Women's Protection Units.

"Women are being killed under various pretexts."

Helat Mohammed expressed their efforts to stop violence against women in various ways and forms, by coordinating with all self-administration bodies. They also work on raising awareness about protecting women in society through lectures and distributing brochures on this topic.

Regarding cases of violence against women, Halat pointed out that women have been subjected to violence for thousands of years and continue to be so. She said, "Women are subjected to torture, rape, psychological violence, and other forms of violence. They are also killed under various pretexts in the name of 'honor.' We are doing our utmost to reduce violence in the region; protecting women is our mission."

"We face obstacles within the community."

Helat Mohammed pointed out the presence of Internal Security Forces - Women's Centers in all cities and towns of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. In addition to urgent intervention, abused women can visit the center and report the incident they experienced, regardless of the type or form of violence. The case is then referred to the Complaints Department, where a case file is prepared, and the Women's House is contacted to transfer the case to them. They work on resolving the case according to family law, and then refer it to the court to hold the perpetrator accountable.

Helat Muhammad commented on the obstacles to combating violence in the North and East Syria region, saying: "Many women cannot approach us due to societal customs and traditions, especially among the Arab community."

"The mentality of patriarchal dominance has decreased by 50 percent."

Member of the General Command of the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria, Helat Muhammad, pointed out that social organization has led to the emergence of a mentality rejecting authoritarian practices. She concluded her speech by saying, "Many good steps have been taken, and we can say that the level of patriarchal mentality has decreased by at least 50 percent, and the inclusion of women in the Internal Security Forces - women in the regions of Raqqa, Tabqa, and Manbij is relatively good."