Women raped by Islamic State fighters like living corpses, says UN envoy

She added many women fear reprisals if they return home.

(Niall Carson/PA)

By Edith Lederer, Associated Press

The UN envoy for sexual violence in conflict found “a gross lack” of support for women and girls who were raped and forced into sexual slavery by Islamic State extremists in Iraq, and survivors she met “were like living corpses”.

Pramila Patten said the survivors were released early this year and told her they are confined to camps because of the double stigma of being victims of sexual violence and sexual slavery, and of being associated with IS — and fear of being perceived as an affiliate of the militant group.