Pakistani police have rescued a French woman and her five children after she reported being held captive by her husband for more than a decade and subjected to domestic abuse in the country's north-west. The woman, identified as 54-year-old Sylvie Yasmina, was found in a mud-brick home in Bara, a town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border.
Rescue and Arrest
District police chief Waqar Ahmad confirmed the rescue earlier this week, stating that Yasmina's husband has been arrested and investigations are ongoing. The rescue occurred after one of Yasmina's sons managed to leave the house and reach the local police station. Yasmina and her children were transferred to a women's police station for protection.
Allegations and Conditions
According to police, Yasmina alleged in her initial statement that her husband physically and psychologically abused her and had an extremely violent temperament. Ahmad reported that Yasmina and her children were found in a dilapidated room, and she had visible signs of injuries on her face. Yasmina told investigators she had been unable to live freely since moving to Pakistan in 2014. Her children were never enrolled in school.
Repatriation Efforts
Ahmad said Yasmina expressed a desire to return to France, and authorities are coordinating with relevant officials and the French embassy regarding her repatriation. There was no immediate comment from the French embassy. In a video recorded by police and shared with media, Yasmina spoke in a mix of English and Pashto, thanking officers for rescuing her and reiterating her wish to return to France.
Domestic Violence Context
Domestic violence remains a significant problem in Pakistan. Human rights groups say hundreds of women report physical and psychological abuse by husbands and other family members each year, although many cases are believed to go unreported. Scores of women are murdered in Pakistan each year for violating conservative norms on love, marriage and public behaviour.
Response from Rights Groups
Shabina Ayaz, director of the rights group Aurat Foundation, condemned the alleged treatment of Yasmina and said she hopes the French embassy and Pakistani authorities will provide the family with all possible assistance. She stated that the case should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and society.
In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women's Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org.
