Woman who fled abusive marriage builds successful domestic abuse charity

A Rochdale woman has transformed her life and the lives of hundreds of others by establishing a charity aimed at supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

Asma Begum, who fled an abusive marriage with her young son, has credited the support of a local women’s business group with helping her grow her organisation, Soul Sisters, into a vital resource for the community.

Asma, who launched Soul Sisters in 2020, was inspired to create the charity after her own harrowing experience of domestic abuse.

Having escaped her abusive situation with her then 18-month-old son, Asma found herself grappling with the emotional and psychological aftermath. Despite holding a law degree and working in a well-paying job, she felt utterly broken.

It was only after seeking refuge that she fully understood the extent of the abuse she had endured.

She said: "Six years ago, I fled from an abusive situation with my 18-month-old son without realising that it was domestic abuse.

"Despite having a law degree and a well-paying full-time job, I was completely broken down. I sought refuge to keep my son safe, and it was there that I came to understand the different types of abuse I had endured."

Her time in the refuge was transformative. Asma received private and secure accommodation, which allowed her to begin the long process of recovery.

During this period, she encountered numerous professional, police officers, doctors, solicitors, barristers, and judges, yet found herself constantly having to advocate for her needs.
 

Read more: Soul Sisters celebrates office opening in RochdalePublished: 23 August 2022

This challenging experience ignited her passion to help other women by sharing her story and educating them about the various forms of abuse, not just the physical.

She added: "It was a challenging process, but it motivated me to help other women by sharing my experiences and educating them about the different forms of abuse, not just the physical ones.

"I wanted to ensure that professionals understand the pain and suffering of victims and to address victim-blaming and disbelief."

Asma’s journey to establishing and growing Soul Sisters was bolstered by the support of The Goals Gals, an accountability mentorship group for ambitious female service providers.

The network provided her with both personal and professional encouragement, which has been instrumental in the charity's development.

"The Goals Gals membership has been incredibly helpful to me," Asma said. "It has boosted my confidence and self-esteem, allowing me to openly discuss my big goals without feeling embarrassed. The group provides great support, lifting me when I'm feeling down and cheering me on."

Through this support, Asma has gained financial independence and is now focused on expanding her organisation. Her goal is to transition from a volunteer-led initiative to an established charity with a team of staff, freelancers, and volunteers, allowing her to officially take on the role of a paid CEO.

"The group has helped me make informed decisions about the organisation and expanded my network, connecting me with professionals who can guide me in growing my charity," she added.

Looking ahead, Asma aims to gather more stories from both local and national individuals who have experienced domestic abuse. She plans to create productions that reflect these experiences, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a society that is more supportive and secure for survivors and their children.

Gaby Marsden, one of the founders of The Goals Gals, expressed pride in Asma's achievements, both personally and professionally.

She said: "We are so proud of Asma and how far she has come, not only in her business but also personally.

"We want to support more women in business like Asma to help them achieve their goals and grow their businesses in a way that suits them."

Soul Sisters has, over the past four years, supported over 300 people, and with Asma’s continued dedication and the backing of her local network, it looks set to help many more.

The Goals Gals have now opened their books for new members to sign up visit: www.thegoalsgals.co.uk

To find out more about the work of Soul Sisters visit www.soulsisters.org.uk