This contains detail which may prove upsetting for some readers.

Aleppo, a city in Syria, is hell on earth right now and it is simply unimaginable to think what it must be like for the people trapped there, awaiting death. Reports emerging from Aleppo over the past few days suggest that civilians, including women and children, have been gunned down and killed in cold blood. There have also been reports that women who survived the vicious attacks and terrifying bombings are now being subjected to sexual abuse by the government forces who have taken control of the city. One woman, a nurse trapped in the city, decided to end her own life so that she could avoid this fate. Before she did so, she left behind a tragic note, describing her reasons for taking matters into her own hands. It is utterly heartbreaking and has been shared on Facebook by an aid worker named Abdullateef Khaled. A ceasfire was believed to have been reached between the governent forces and the rebel factions yesterday but since then, more explosions have been unheard so the situation in Aleppo remains as uncertain and deadly as before. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence the Rape Crisis Centre operates a national 24-hour helpline. Contact them on 1800 77 8888.