The Unbelievable Aftermath of Escaping Two Ab*sive Iraqi Men 

My mother was divorced from an abuser in 1953. And even in the United States, a single mother raising children was considered a freak. I had to learn to cook at 11 and 12 run a household. We had to help her she did everything just like you’re doing today it can be done. You are definitely an inspiration to every young woman. I am so impressed with you

Thank you for being brave enough to share. I am just escaping after finding my children were being hurt behind my back. My eyes are just opening. I am looking forward to being on the other side. You are so so strong!

This young lady should have a movie out of her life. Her story is just heartfelt and to hear how she’s an overcomer.. just WOW…tears 😭 ❤

Definition of Strong woman . Determination and brains. GOD Bless her.

You are indeed a blessing and excellent role model for your children. Out of your pain I see you rising with a powerful voice for women oppressed by malevolent forces

Ellaf, you are a true hero! Bringing up 3 educated, lovely, generous children is a testament to you 🧡 It seems like a river that I could never have jumped over but you jumped and succeeded. You truly are the embodiment of female strength and ability 🎉 Remember to enjoy your own achievements...

Lots of kids stay home alone while their parents work, don't be ashamed of the fact that you did what it takes to provide for your family. And also it's healthy for children to be independent, we're not raising children we're raising adults.❤

This woman has changed the trajectory of her and her children’s lives all for the better ❤❤

I just have to say I am not at all surprised that her children show so much respect to her. She is the most admirable guest I have ever seen/listened to on this channel. Following Everything!!!!

What an amazing/strong/intelligent/beautiful woman.........truly inspiring.

Thank you for bringing Ellaf back for this Live. Her story reads like a movie!

I cannot even put into words how I admire your spirit and love for your children! Thank You Thank You Thank You

Most soulful, heartfelt entertainment (education) and I love this lady to pieces. She has so much to teach and inspire. Thank you.

❤ you both are an inspiration ( leading to much introspection)for a 70 year old lady🙏namaste from India & glad you got free before the disrespect got ingrained😍may you & those who truly love you stay blessed always🦋🕯

Great interview! I don't think I could find the strength and endurance she has!

When she talked about how her kids do everything for her now I cried 😭 I can only imagine how much they look up to her and how grateful they are, and it seems like despite their still young ages, they consciously realize the sacrifices she's made for them ❤ She's got such a calm strength about her, so soft-spoken but when she talks about her accomplishments her fierceness really shines through 💪

Eleif you definitely need to write a book. Probably a couple of books actually! 😮😊

Coming from a Muslim background and converting to Christianity, my story is long and complicated. My children and I faced significant challenges, including violence and deprivation, which had a profound impact on my life. I would love to share my story with you and hope to have the opportunity to do so soon.

She’s Amazing. She’s been through so much and was able to turn a tragic situation into a great Success ♥️

this is one of my favorite interviews she inspires me so much to work hard and sacrifice to leave my negative environment

I totally understand the part about children having issues after ex left...my 4 girls were used to father talking down to me...after he left they talked down to me...that was a change i struggled with...finally we worked through that...

Amazing journey! I had an emotionally/mentally abusive mother. Lots of anger towards her when I became a mom, but I vowed to myself to be the mother I wish I had had. And let me tell you, that was the best thing ever. My 3 kiddos (now adults) are so close to me. And I love it.

Ellaf, I am so impressed with the life you've built for yourself & your family! I'm currently a college student, working towards my degree in graphic design, and I have a hard time handling a normal "full time" schedule of about 12 credit hours, so for you to have been doing 22 credits AND still work night shifts is beyond impressive to me! I also love that your kids have grown into loving, caring individuals & they recognize the sacrifices you made to make sure they grew up in a safe, loving environment. You sound so happy now, as you should be! You dealt with everything so beautifully despite how ugly & scary it was at the time & now all your hard work has paid off! I wish you & your kids all the best going forward!

Thank you for your work in raising awareness.

Hat off for you Eliaf. I am Iraqi woman and I am proud of you.

Sending love to Ellaf and her family - Sending love to her brother too

Appreciate the bravery going on here exposing the terrors of patriarchy.

Ellaf, you're a true inspiration. People constantly underestimate how hard it is to leave these kinds of abusive, controlling relationships and how much you have to sacrifice to do so. There's a reason that we call it generational trauma, because for most families the first person who decides to break the cycle has to make some really hard decisions like depending on their children to do adult things such as cook and provide safety to the younger kids. And those things are hard. But these are the real life kinds of decisions that many people have to make when they flee these kinds of relationships and its really wonderful for you to share your experience with that so people can really see how difficult these things really are. You and your kids' safety was the #1 most important thing and you did a very courageous thing in prioritizing it.

What a beautiful and amazing woman. Thank you for your bravery in sharing. Such a strong mother your children have. Nothing but proud of you and what you have done.

I really appreciate seeing ellaf again. Her story is inspiring, exited to hear more from her in this interview

Her story is incredible and so inspirational. Such strength and determination!

Her story and your interviews with all these people have gave me so much hope! There is a way out!!! Reach out if you are in a bad spot. There are so many ppl who are willing to help you!!!

I watched both interviews with Ellaf. Thank you for sharing your story, You are strong and determined beyond belief and still have joy reflected in your beautiful face and spirit even through all you have endured and conquered!.

Hello, I am impressed by how Ellaf overcame this nightmare and found her way into a self-determined life. Unfortunately, it still happens that young women and girls are secretly exposed to such archaic views. no person, or rather no girl or young woman, should have to face such a fate, at least in a western country in the 21st century. Greetings from Germany

I love her strength and thank goodness she has her children because they are going to change the world just like their mother.

I absolutely love Ellaf! What an absolute Boss Queen! Such an inspiration!

So extremely proud of her! Starting from the bottom with 3 kids is NOT EASY.

And I also work night/weekends at the hospital so I can go to school to become a nurse, during the week and be present with my 13 yr old daughter. She’s had to stay home alone too, I understand the mom guilt but you’re doing amazing!! And your children have the best example of being kind, strong, perseverant and resourceful! Slay queen!!! So proud of you!! ❤

My grandfather had four girls, and he said, it takes a real man to knock the balls off

I do the same thing! Research until I find a resource and always have a plan B! Trauma is horrible but it made us stronger and smarter!!

Ellaf, your resilience and strategy are so inspiring. Your accomplishments, also. Were you aware that you had so much inner strength? Beautiful story that hopefully will be in print. Your story is so valuable and helps so many, especially those who've experienced DV. Thank you for bringing your inspirational story to light.

Thank you for sharing your story. People need to realize that it is incredibly difficult to leave abusive situations, but it is possible. You are brave, you are strong and you are worth the sacrifices to get your life back.

She’s amazing. ❤ what an inspirational story.

What an amazing woman! Blessings to Eliaf and her children as they continue... onward and upward! 🙏🌟💞☮

I was very young mom and my husband died before I had my third baby so I raised three by myself and I tell you what it's hard and your guest there she's gone some strength you will never know how much have to deprogram and program I had no babysitters because I had three girls so I know what that feels like and I just I'm so happy for her to get out of that situation to do is doing. It's amazing having a disconnect from family that you love especially your mom I could never do that it's hard and you did it and you worked your way through school and you you are a very good example of what a good human being and you have such strength I can't even imagine what it took for you how to escape another country to get here and you had to deal with abuse and try to get you and your kids here that's unbelievable I'm so glad that you're doing well just you have all my blessings I'm glad that your siblings support you in all this that is wonderful plus you even had to learn a new language Family doesn't always mean Flesh and Blood I my parents disowned me but I found some people that I just took me in like I was family treated me no different and very kind and I always call them mom and dad so it's not always flesh and blood

She is a testimony that you get your children's (and spouse's) respect by earning it, not forcing it. Her father and her husband were lousy parents and spouses that didn't earn such a respect with their bad behaviours. I am so happy she has good connection to her siblings. Good for them.

What a wonderful and inspiring interview! The inhumanity of Ellaf's father and ex-husband is difficult to understand. Even animals have instinctual behavior that puts these supposed people to shame. Perhaps they are drawing inspiration from pathogenic microorganisms. It's a beautiful thing to hear of her kind and thoughtful children and to know that the cycle of violence has been broken.

I recommended your initial interview to a friend of mine who works with young adults at a university. Your pitch for higher education is what prompted me to share. Great insight

Congratulations on 200k. This channel is doing great work!

Such an AMAZING and COURAGEOUS woman!! So strong and smart, a WONDERFUL mother who has shown her children what’s most important in life, they can be nothing but supportive and proud of her🙏❤️🙏

This is one of the most inspiring and empowering stories I’ve ever heard ❤

Glad you've been showcasing some Iraqi/Iranian etc, and Islamic cult survivors. They have been through a lot and it is heart-breaking, and sadly, not uncommon. It is sad that so many more out there are suffering like this. They are incredible to endure and get out. I wish more could also make that move. I'm at a loss as to how help, given my financial status.

commenting for the algorithm

Such an amazing and inspiring story. I hope your life keeps on getting even better.

Ellaf, you are an amazing woman! Sending you so much love and support❤️

Thank you for coming back! Strong lady!

Elaf, you inspire me to keep pushing. Thanks for not giving up and for being a shining example for the rest of us to follow! ❤️

Re: wanting something different from your parents than what you have. My husband has always told me that I can't make my parents be the kind of parents I want. The only thing I can do is become the type of parent that I wish I had. I have always thought this was such great advice. Break the cycle, show up for my kids in ways that my parents didn't or couldn't, focus on what is within my control and let the rest go. ❤

This podcast has been so wonderful I love it this is my favorite one only because I have been able to untangle some of my religious drama and it's wonderful so thank you chalice that is part of the your doing. With your wonderful guests and your patience

Thank you for sharing your journey. Wishing you all kindness and joy in your future.

Thank you so much for sharing your heroic story you are an inspiration and I wish you all the happiness and joy ❤❤❤❤

Shelise, you and Kendall Rae are my favorite youtube channels, and you're both heroes - speaking up for the vulnerable, you're changing lives. I'm so grateful for your channel ❤

I’ve been going through a lot of grief lately after breaking up with someone I’ve fully depended on in almost every aspect of my life. Part of me feels like theres no way for me to make it through, and like I’m not strong enough. However, seeing her resilience in a situation that seems much harder than mine; not only being able to leave it but also being able to recreate a life for herself and her kids, is so incredibly inspiring. Such a strong woman ❤

Thank you for sharing to give others hope.

Super glad Ellaf is still alive to share her story. This could've ended up so much worse. I hate to think how much worse this could've ended.🙏🙏🙏

Thanks! All the best!

Wow, this is powerful Ellaf. Blessings to you and your family.

Sorry I missed the live 👏 great followup interview 🙏

US military officer lourdes loyola, a great example & a role model for woman is a must show cased inspirational story. A brave woman out of mental strength & conviction.

You are just sooooooo amazing ! And u have obviously done such an awesome job raising your kids right ! Keep at it n hopefully more poor suffering women will get out of their bad situation.

You are an incredible woman. I'm 50 and needed to hear this 30 years ago.

This has been a favorite guest.

What a legend. Such amazing strength and determination. ❤

I’m domestic abuse survivor also my kids,😢😢we went through all abuse physical,emotional whatever just name it thanks god I escaped with my kids came another country which we are living in now they’re 12 ,11 we don’t discuss anything regarding dad’s stuff but my mom and my siblings filled that position I’m so grateful to have them 🥰❤️

Such a powerful amazing woman!

What a brave brother, sorry you had to go through this and well done for taking back control of your life

A brave and smart lady who.has endured so much hardship May Allah bless Ilaf richly What an example of strength of character and a truly remarkable lady - wonderful endurance of a loving mother. May God Bless her and give her all the strength she needs Xxx

Before I forget, look into Wells “Church” in Texas. Weird stuff!

You're amazing & exemplary lady & you should run for office - America needs such a positive atitude people in congress! Thank you for sharing your story.

Ellaf, can you make some suggestions on a non-Muslim woman helping a Muslim woman out of an a bad situation?

She is such an inspiration. ❤

A book. This is an inspiring story. ❤❤❤❤

Hi Ellaf sister your such a strong women and keep up the good work supporting your kids.

What an absolutely amazing woman! Congratulations! Do any of her siblings Still have contacts with either if her Parents?

Wishing all the best in your new life

I just read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini so this is a perfect time to listen to this interview.

I love this woman- such clear focus

Wow 😮 God bless you girl and God bless your children you are so strong and so kind it looks to me like you did a wonderful job raising your kids and what an amazing woman you are..👍👍👍

Love u guys thank you for all theses stories and your courage ❤️ you r a bad asses both of your are.a total inspiration

She is a true inspiration ❤

I am envious but encouraged of her tenacity Ive been abused all my life fromvmy father to my ex husband, and i dont feel like im doing enough for my 6 kids. Im happy she found her way, just hopefully i can get mine on track.

Girl, I approve of your life because you are doing the absolute best you can do. You are awesome. All women approve of your life!

What an amazing woman who has achieved so much in a short time,I married a Muslim man from Libya who is such a good man,if I don't feel like cooking he's OK with that,sometimes he cooks,been married 44yrs and I've been living here in Libya 34yrs

Mighty SOUL!

I saw the first video, well done for getting out. I really hope you see this or someone tells you this. I just have this strange feeling he’ll come back when your daughter is old enough to get married and try to take her back to Iraq to marry her off. Maybe even younger than got married. I hope you manage to keep her safe.take care

Her shoes are so big for me. She is strong like a rock.🎉🎉

A great resource for those in the US is 211. if you call 211 they can help you find resources in your area.

Ellaf is so pretty!

You are amazing ✨❤🥰

Don't ever feel shame for teaching young kids basic independence. That's actually good parenting. Kids love learning to cook simple stuff & they should learn basic life skills. It builds them up & builds confidence. I was making grilled cheese, eggs & canned biscuits by age 9. By my teens everybody wanted my grilled cheeses 😂 Now as a Mom, my kids friends beg for them. Everyone says I make them special, best words ever 😊