Some stories are difficult to hear, but they are even more dangerous to ignore.
In this powerful episode of On a Mission 2.0, I sit down with Nina Aoulik, a survivor, activist, and a woman on a mission to end honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and gender-based violence.
Nina’s story is harrowing. Born into a family that rejected her simply for being a girl, she endured years of extreme abuse, a forced marriage, and modern-day slavery right here in the UK. From being locked away as a child to surviving brutal violence at the hands of those meant to protect her, Nina shares her journey with raw honesty and unwavering strength.
But this episode isn’t just about trauma it’s about hope. It’s about turning pain into power and using her voice to help others escape the same fate. Today, Nina is a fierce advocate, fighting to challenge outdated cultural norms, push for policy change, and support survivors in reclaiming their lives.
⚠️ A Note to Listeners: This episode contains discussions of honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and sexual violence. While some moments are deeply challenging, Nina’s story is one of strength, resilience, and survival and it’s a conversation we all need to have.
EPISODE CHAPTERS & KEY MOMENTS:
[00:03:24] A Childhood of Isolation & Modern-Day Slavery
Locked away in a room, only allowed out to cook and clean
Her family saw her as a burden for being a girl
[00:07:58] The Night That Changed Everything
At 14, Nina was raped by her father the start of a horrific cycle
Eight men followed, leaving her battered, broken, and pregnant
[00:09:48] Traded Like Property: The Forced Marriage
Considered “spoiled” and sold into a violent marriage at 16
Forced to live without a door, so she could be accessed at any time
[00:25:04] Honour-Based Attempted Murder
Nina returns home seeking love, but instead is ambushed
Her father and brother break her arm, stamp on her, and try to strangle her
[00:31:19] Escaping Over the Fence to Freedom
With life-threatening injuries, she scales a fence to flee her family
Seeks help at a police station only to be turned away
[00:45:05] The Ultimate Heartbreak: Losing a Child
After years of domestic abuse, she loses a baby at eight months pregnant
The unimaginable grief that nearly broke her completely
[00:57:09] The Moment That Saved Her Life
Her teenage daughter calls just in time, waking her up to a house filled with gas
Her ex-partner had turned on all the gas appliances in an attempt to kill them both
[01:00:33] Homeless & Fighting the System
Despite being a successful businesswoman on paper, she was left with nothing
The legal system failed her again and again
[01:20:00] Turning Pain into Purpose: Nina’s Mission Today
Now a leading advocate, Nina is dedicated to helping survivors escape abuse
Fighting to change laws, raise awareness, and give victims a voice
This isn’t just Nina’s story. It’s the story of thousands of women and girls still trapped in the cycle of honour-based violence, forced marriage, and abuse. It’s about a system that still fails survivors, and the urgent need for change.
But more than anything, this episode is about hope. It’s about resilience. It’s about the power of one voice to change lives.
✔️ Share this episode. The more people hear stories like Nina’s, the more awareness we create.
✔️ If you suspect someone is at risk, speak up. You might just save a life.
Listen now. Because some stories need to be told.
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