Breaking free: how Somayya rebuilt her life
For as long as she could remember, every part of Somayya’s life had been dictated — where she could go, what she could wear, even who she could be friends with.
Somayya knew, deep down, that something wasn’t right. Although she was an adult, she wasn’t allowed to live freely. She wasn’t even allowed to earn her own money, leaving her completely dependent on her father.
Feeling trapped and isolated, Somayya reached out to Women’s Aid one afternoon in 2016, simply hoping to talk to someone who would listen, never imagining that she would be offered a place in a refuge. Until then, no one had ever told her that what she was experiencing was abuse. The realisation was overwhelming, but also liberating. With the support of Women’s Aid, Somayya was referred to Gilgal.
Relocated to our refuge in Birmingham, Somayya began to rebuild her life piece by piece, free at last from the control of her father. She joined the Freedom Programme, enrolled in a Maths course through Crisis, and took part in art classes — activities that not only strengthened her skills but also her sense of self. Through friendships with other women at the refuge and in her counselling sessions, Somayya learned about different types of abuse, and that it doesn’t always involve violence.
If you recognise elements of Somayya’s story in your own life, know that you are not alone. Abuse can take many forms, and reaching out for advice is the first brave step toward freedom. Gilgal and Women’s Aid are here to listen, support, and guide you. Read our article on the different types of abuse.
After four months at Gilgal, Somayya moved into her very own flat, experiencing true independence for the first time.
“I grew up in a very crowded house, so it was such a relief,” she remembers. “The silence, you know, the alone time. I really started to enjoy my own company — and getting to pick what to watch on the TV!”
Life outside Gilgal wasn’t without challenges. Somayya missed the friendships and support she had found there. But as time passed, she built the future she had once only dreamed of. She got her first real job, working as a Customer Advisor at Tesco, drawn to the company’s commitment to giving back to the community through fundraising and charity support. Over time, she earned more responsibility, and today, she is aiming for a promotion as her dedication shines through.
Somayya’s personal life blossomed too. She and her partner welcomed a baby girl, and she is determined to raise her daughter with the freedom and choices she had once been denied. Staying close to her roots, Somayya became a Gilgal ambassador, speaking at events and planning visits to support the refuge that helped change her life.
Today, Somayya’s world is filled with hope and determination. She dreams of continuing to grow her career, helping others through her work as a union representative, and most importantly, living a life of happiness, freedom, and self-belief — on her terms.
