Doula Baida Alayyar

01/11/2025

November is Family Court Awareness Month.

Every year, survivors of domestic abuse step into family court believing it will bring safety and justice — but too often, they are met with institutional betrayal.

We’re shining a light on what happens after survivors leave: post-separation abuse. Post separation abuse is often more painful than the abuse suffered during a relationship.

07/09/2025

26/08/2025

They wanted her quiet. They wanted her broken. They wanted her to believe the lies told about her.
But here’s the thing : storms don’t destroy us. They refine us.
So, to the ones who think silence protects them, don’t mistake my pause for fear!
My story is mine to tell. And the truth doesn’t tremble.

أرادوها صامتة. أرادوها مكسورة. أرادوها أن تصدق الأكاذيب التي قيلت عنها. لكن الحقيقة أن العواصف لا تدمرنا بل تصقلنا. ولمن يظنون أن الصمت يحميهم , لا تخلطوا بين سكوني والخوف! قصتي ملكي أنا، والحقيقة لا ترتجف.


Photo : me leaving Madeira, maybe 1988

20/07/2025

"But he seems like such a good father from what I’ve seen."
(Translation: appearances matter more than your lived reality.)

"You should try to get along—for the children’s sake."
(As if peace can be negotiated with coercion.)

"Are you sure it’s abuse? Maybe it’s just a difficult relationship."
(As if doubt is more rational than listening.)

"Well, the system is slow for everyone. You just have to be patient."
(While you hemorrhage resources and your children lose time.)

"At least he’s involved. Some parents disappear completely."
(As if harm done with presence is better than harm by absence.)