Story one : Aysha – from abuse to empowerment

Story one : Aysha – from abuse to empowerment

“The trauma of domestic abuse can have deep, lasting impacts that aren’t always visible,” says Aysha, a resilient survivor who endured years of emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her husband.

Aysha had always been driven and accomplished, but her husband, Nishan, was jealous and controlling. He belittled her and undermined her work, sabotaging her projects and spreading lies about her to colleagues. The emotional abuse left Aysha feeling isolated and insecure.

Nishan also used money to control Aysha, dictating how she spent her earnings and pressuring her to take out loans to fund his own ventures. Aysha struggled to make ends meet, but Nishan always had an excuse for why he needed more money. The financial stress took a toll on her mental health and made it even harder for her to leave the abusive relationship.

Aysha also recalls being denied opportunities to further her career. Nishan discouraged her from pursuing promotions or taking on challenging projects, saying that they would interfere with his own ambitions. Looking back, Aysha realizes that these were warning signs she missed at the time.

Aysha’s journey to escape her abusive relationship was not an easy one, but her determination to take control of her life and heal from the trauma she endured was truly inspiring. Despite facing immense challenges, she bravely sought support from loved ones and professionals, determined to rebuild her life.

Through therapy, Aysha learned the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing her own needs. Aysha had to mostly resort to private sources of treatment and help, as state institutions have a difficult referral pathway and seeking help takes a long time. She also took steps to regain control of her finances and rebuild her career, pursuing opportunities that had once been denied to her. It was a difficult process, but Aysha’s resilience and strength saw her through.

Today, Aysha is thriving. She has a fulfilling career, a strong support network, and a renewed sense of self-worth. Her experience has taught her that domestic abuse can happen to anyone and that it is never the victim’s fault. She wants survivors to know that they are not alone and that healing and recovery are possible.

Aysha’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out about domestic abuse and seeking the help and support needed to break free from it. The scars left by abuse can be deep and long-lasting, but with the right resources and support provided by the state as well as private parties, survivors can overcome the trauma and build a brighter future. Aysha’s courage and determination are truly inspiring and serve as a beacon of hope for others in similar situations.

Real Lives – Real Stories in collaboration with @RiseUp.mv