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Organization	Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights
Region	Iraq
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	@Twitter
ProjectLeader	Joshua Governale

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Built in response to therapists at Jiyan's Psychosomatic Clinic for Women, the Healing Garden is a place of rest and security for women and their families who have experienced violence and persecution. The women and children in the healing garden are accompanied by our specially trained therapeutic team whom utilize a holistic approach to recovery. Patients engage in garden, art, play, group and individual therapies alongside comfort from animals and a community of support.

Challenge

The city of Chamchamal is located in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. People here have suffered under the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein. During the so-called Anfal operations of the 1980s, many people were tortured, lost their livelihoods, and continue to suffer from trauma associated with the violence. Since then, violence has persisted in the region and many women and children require specific mental health treatment in a safe place.

Long-Term Impact

The Healing Garden is built to address the social and psychological issues associated specifically with women and children. Each week, our specially trained female therapists take Yazidi patients into the garden for individual and group therapy. Patients dealing with acute trauma express relief from these sessions as they engage in unique programs only possible in the Healing Garden. Many of the beneficiaries of the Healing Garden are Yazidi. The garden also hosts local school trips regularly.