“After enduring a decade of suffering with her husband, my sister decided to leave him - and he killed her,” Umm Ali told Asharq Al-Awsat, encapsulating the tragic story of Lebanese national Amira Moughnieh, who was murdered by her husband in Australia last June.
“My sister got married at 19 and moved to Australia with her husband. For years, she faced various pressures, including being isolated at home. When she asked for a divorce, he refused, and even mediation failed,” Umm Ali added.
“Finally, when she decided to leave and live elsewhere with her kids, he became threatening and refused to support them. But we never imagined it would end in murder,” she explained.
After Moughnieh initiated divorce proceedings, her husband killed her upon receiving a court notification. Now, he’s in custody awaiting investigation, still denying his actions.
This story, however, is sadly not unique.
In 2023, 21 Lebanese women were killed by their husbands, with more cases reported this year.
This violence against women is exacerbated by societal reactions, often minimizing crimes committed by men while sensationalizing those by women.
Zoya Jreidini, director of anti-violence organization “KAFA”, attributed the rise in such crimes to economic and social instability, compounded by laws that favor male dominance in families.
She emphasized the need for greater awareness and attention to these crimes, which are now being discussed more openly in society and on social media.
Jreidini highlighted the troubling cases of suicide among women in Lebanon, often attributed solely to mental health issues.
However, she noted a positive shift in Lebanese society, with more women seeking help from organizations after experiencing abuse.
Jreidini pointed out a problem in the legal system, where cases of violence against women face delays. She insisted on the need for specialized family courts to deter such crimes.
Regarding legal representation, Jreidini explains that it varies depending on the victim’s family’s choice. Some opt to work with KAFA’s lawyers, while others prefer private attorneys, and some decide not to pursue further legal action.
