In the north of Iraq, thousands of survivors from the battle against ISIL in the besieged city of Mosul have fled to a refugee camp. An official at the camp said many of the refugees are suffering mental trauma, but there are only 12 psychologists available to help them

CCTV’s Toby Muse reports.Follow Toby Muse on Twitter @tobymuse

For over two years, these people lived under ISIL’s rule. They describe a life of harsh religious edicts, deprivations and a constant fear that you or a loved one could be killed at any moment. 

Those caring for the refugees said many are suffering mental trauma, a result of life under the group. 

There are 9,000 stories in the refugee camp- memories of lives lived under ISIL’s brutal rule. But even here in safety, some can’t escape the terror.

The woman who called herself Mother of Rahil fled Mosul two weeks ago. She tells us how her son-in-law was killed by ISIL, gunned down for being a policeman. He was shot in front of her daughter and grandchild. 

During her interview, her telephone rings – it’s her daughter and granddaughter still trapped in Mosul. 

At first, it’s joy to hear her loved ones. Then panic sets in: they tell her an ISIL sniper is outside their home threatening to shoot them if they leave. 

She can only hope that her family will soon join her in the cold and windy camp, free from the war and terror of life in Mosul.