Join us as Abi Thomas meets amazing women who have all been through the Own My Life course, 12 sessions which enable women who have been subjected to abuse to regain ownership of their lives.

Be aware that you will hear painful stories of many types of abuse during these episodes. But you will also hear a lot of joy - and we make no apology for that!

Today we meet the fantastic Naomi. Naomi is a clear-thinking and radiant woman and mother. Her husband abused her for over 15 years. Naomi only realised the extent of his control and emotional manipulation after many years together, initially believing that relationship challenges were normal and required perseverance, she experienced a pivotal "thunderbolt moment" that shifted her understanding and made her recognise her husband’s abuse of her. Naomi endured his escalating control of nearly every aspect of her life, from finances and daily routines to social connections and even how she physically cared for herself.

Despite these challenges, Naomi found ways badass and brilliant ways to quietly resist and began carefully planning her eventual departure, building a trusted support network and prioritising hers and her children’s. She describes feeling isolated and the necessity of not leaving him until she was certain she could do so safely and permanently. Naomi’s faith and the supportive environment of her church community played an important role in her recovery, although she acknowledges not all faith communities are equipped to be supportive, including her previous church.

Following her departure, Naomi gained a sense of joy and freedom in daily choices; whether simple decisions like buying yogurt or larger ones like enjoying her children and time with friends free from fear.

More information about Own My Life:

1. Our training HERE
2. Find a course HERE
3. Evaluations HERE
4. Own My Life Discovery HERE

Further Reading and Resources:

1. Safety Plan HERE
2. Out of Control by Natalie Collins HERE (audio book HERE)
3. Abuse is a Verb by Natalie Collins HERE
4. Own My Life Discovery HERE
5. Traumatic Attachment:
6. Mags Lesiak report HERE
7. Zoe Lodrick article HERE
8. Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers by David Mandel
9. Restored HERE
10. Faith and VAWG Coalition