Feb 17 • 10:41 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Juan, the man who helped Salma after 22 months of threats and torture in Murcia: 'I was terrified'

A man named Juan helped his friend Salma, who escaped after enduring 22 months of threats and torture in Murcia.

On February 10, Juan, a 69-year-old retired man, unexpectedly encountered his old friend Salma at his home in Murcia. Salma, a 38-year-old Moroccan woman, had fled from her captor after enduring nearly two years of severe abuse, including physical violence and sexual assaults. Despite having lost contact with Juan for two years, she appeared at his door wounded and in desperation, pleading for help as she feared for her safety and wellbeing.

Salma's physical condition, marked by severe injuries and an unrecognizable face swollen and stained with blood, shocked Juan. He recalled the moment vividly, describing her as looking terrified and helpless, exuding a palpable sense of fear as she implored him not to abandon her. This distressing encounter highlights the grave consequences of domestic abuse and the courage it takes for victims to seek help when trapped in such dire situations.

The story emphasizes the critical importance of community support and recognizes individuals like Juan who offer a lifeline to those in need. Salma's escape and Juan's assistance underscore a broader issue of violence against women and the necessity for societal awareness and intervention in preventing such horrific circumstances.

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