Episode 247

full
Published on:

16th Jul 2026

“Beyond Survival: Rewriting Power, Law, and Healing in Domestic Abuse”

Today's episode is not just about awareness - it's about equipping survivors with language, strategy and validation. GAWGO's -(Getting Ahead While Getting Out) work bridges the gap between lived experience and systemic recognition, offering both critique and concrete tools for change. Our guest today is Sofi Khan, a survivor, lawyer, feminist, author , activist and shadow board member of a domestic abuse charity in the UK- SOLACE.

QUOTES

  • “Leaving isn’t just about escape—it’s about strategy.” — GAWGO
  • “Silence is not always submission; sometimes, it is survival & Peace” — Grace Ovba
  • “The system asks for proof, but survivors carry truth in their bodies.” — GAWGO
  • “What we call ‘lack of evidence’ is often a failure of language.” — GAWGO
  • “Abuse thrives in systems that refuse to name it properly.” — GAWGO

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Domestic abuse must be understood as both a personal and structural issue.
  • Survivors’ lived experiences are valid forms of evidence—even when systems fail to recognise them.
  • Strategic silence is an intentional, powerful survival tool—not passivity.
  • Legal language often fails to capture the complexity of abuse.
  • Documentation and evidence gathering are essential for navigating legal systems.
  • Risk assessment and safety planning can save lives.
  • Trauma affects identity, cognition, and decision-making—but healing is possible.
  • Evidence-based therapies like trauma-focused CBT can support recovery.
  • Patriarchal systems, including courts and institutions, can perpetuate harm.
  • Survivors need both emotional support and practical strategy.

JOURNAL PROMPTS:

  1. What does safety mean to me right now—emotionally, physically, and psychologically?
  2. Where in my life have I used silence as protection or strategy?
  3. What are the signs of control or coercion I may have overlooked?
  4. How has my experience shaped my identity—and what parts of me am I reclaiming?
  5. What evidence of my strength have I ignored or minimised?
  6. What support systems do I need to build or strengthen?
  7. What fears come up when I think about leaving or changing my situation?
  8. How can I begin documenting my truth safely?
  9. What does healing look like for me beyond survival?
  10. Where can I give myself compassion instead of judgement?

Contact Sofi Khan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metoomyway/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metoomyway

Website: https://www.solacewomensaid.org/people/sofi-khan/

Book a therapy and, or coaching session via my website: https://www.freedom4betterlife.com/

MBACP- Certified. (British Association For Counselling & Psychotherapy)

Contacts For RASA: +447984098577

Email: risingaboveshadowsofabuse@gmail.com

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About the Podcast

Rising Above Shadows Of Abuse
Society & Culture/Abuse
Rising Above Shadows Of Abuse Show with Grace Ovba, is about the topical issues of abuse prevalent in our society and culture. The impact on lives and possible reformation strategies. The show portrays real life stories of exceptional valiant women, who suffered pain, shame, trauma and guilt. Some of these individuals, used the tools of healing, forgiveness and compassion to serve as a positive propellant to actualising their dreams and breaking barriers in their various fields of human endeavours.
Each episode showcases case studies, stories, inspirational talks; involving interviews, conversations, solo/panel sessions with survivors, everyday people, professionals, charities, thought leaders and notable guests(Celebrities)
KEY TAKEAWAYS
"Abuse changes your life... Fight back and change the life of your abusers by breaking your silence on abuse" - Patty Rase Hopson
''So many people suffer abuse and suffer alone'' -Pamela Stephenson
''To those who abuse: The sin is yours, the crime is yours and the shame is yours. To those who protect the perpetrators: blaming the victim only masks the evil within, making you as guilty as those who abuse. Stand up for the innocent or go down with the rest.'' - Flora Jessop
#I take back my power
#Voice for the Voiceless
#Resilience
#Courage
#Mental health
ABOUT THE HOST - GRACE OVBA
Grace is a survivor of Domestic Violence, who is passionate about using her experiences to pave the way for other victims who are stuck in any form of abusive situations. She is a transformational coach, mentor, author, inspirational speaker and mother. She has a background in education, law and psychotherapy. She's on a mission to bring healing and wholeness to bruised and broken women.
Registered member of BACP (British Association For Counselling and Psychotherapy)
Registered member of Law Society UK
Connect via email: risingaboveshadowsofabuse@gmail.com
Social media platforms: twitter @risinaboveabuse
YouTube @risingaboveshadowsofabuse
Patreon @risingaboveshadowsofabuse.com
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About your host

Profile picture for Grace Ovba

Grace Ovba

Grace is a Survivor of Domestic Violence, who is passionate about using her own experiences to pave the way for other abusive victims who are stuck in any form of abusive situations. She is a mentor, transformational coach, author, inspirational speaker and mother. She has a background in education, law and psychotherapy. She is on a mission to bring healing and wholeness to broken and bruised women. She is an accredited member of the British Association For Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Law society United Kingdom.