“Once I came to AWSAD and got to know everyone..it felt like my second home”

My uncle’s wife found me on the floor crying. I just couldn’t tell them what happened although they were insisting I tell them. I didn’t want my family to find out because it would hurt them and I wanted to just end everything. I wanted to kill myself.

I finally said his name and they took me to the hospital. They recommended I stay at AWSAD.

I used to feel really down and I had no self-esteem. But once I came to AWSAD and got to know everyone and the way they support me, it felt like my second home.

The counselling service was very helpful. It made me realise that I can be independent and start a life outside the safe house. It helped me gain self-confidence. I also took self-defence class so I felt that I could protect myself.

I also got different training during my stay at at the safe house. I took sewing training and passed my accounting certification exam as well.

I knew about [the ex-residents group] when I was living the safe house. I knew about their monthly meeting. I always looked up to them! I wanted to be like them. Independent and learn the things they learn when they come. It used to make me feel really good.

I felt very sad [to leave the safe house] because we were getting separated from the people we grew so close with and have been living together with. But [the ex-residents group] is really great!

I learn a lot from it. What stands out for me is my improvement on saving. I was really bad at it. In addition to my saving, I am more knowledgeable than I was before. I learned about pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health. I now understand the risks I may face and precautions I should take before I get into a relationship and start having sex. I now also understand what an abusive relationship is.

Those who don’t [join the ex-residents group] would definitely miss out on all this and they could be more vulnerable to violence and abuse as well. Without the group, I think we would have gone back to our old life and back in the risk of violent and abusive environment in comparison to our independent and free life we now have.

In the future, I hope to establish an organisation like AWSAD to help survivors and victims of violence and abuse. I want to give back and be there for those who need such service.

I hope that women in the future will be able to protect themselves and know that they can do as much as men can do. I want them to know that they are equal to men and they can achieve anything.”