A RAPE and domestic violence survivor believes the trauma she endured as a result of these harrowing incidents has emboldened her to be a voice for the voiceless.
Lautoka-based human rights lawyer Sabrina Iqbal Khan’s story is one of courage and hope.
As she shared the challenges and obstacles she overcame, Ms Khan said she hoped her testimony would encourage Fijians, particularly women and children who were victims of rape and domestic violence.
The British-born lawyer said she was using her life experiences to empower and encourage women and girls across the country.
“My passion to work for survivors of sexual crime grew as I continued to understand and study law,” Ms Khan said.
“I was a victim of rape when I was just six-years-old and the second time I experienced the horrific ordeal was when I just turned 18.
“The trauma it caused and pain I went through, I would not have coped had it not been for God, I found my peace in our mighty God and in the strength of my father who taught me the value of standing up not just for human rights but also for those who have been oppressed.
“I am testament that God really picks people out of the ashes and puts them where he wants them.
“My experiences had me realise that the trauma and pain I went through was my anointing to prepare me for the human rights field and prepare me to be the voice of those whose human rights had been denied”.
Ms Khan’s father is also a lawyer.
She has had extensive human rights experiences having worked in Australia, the Middle East and in various organisations around the world.
She shared that she came out of a violent marriage after continuous beatings and her faith in God being questioned, to the point where her Bible was burnt.
Ms Khan said through it all, she continued to ask for God’s protection and guidance even though she was uncertain about her future.
“At the time he was beating me, he burnt my Bible and it really broke my heart. I kept thinking about the crucifixion, where Jesus was crying out ‘Eli, Eli, why have you forsaken me’. All I could hear was His voice,” she claimed.
“I was a Muslim at the time but I was coming to Christ, but afraid to speak up.
“That day, however, I stood up thinking that I am copping a beating for my Christ. He died for me, so now is the time to make a stand for him.
“So I came right out and I started going to church and started sharing my testimony.
“I was beat up a lot during my marriage but I kept God through my ordeal. He has done so much for us, it was time to take a stand for Him too.
“I flew to Fiji and grew in my ministry, guided by the Almighty to do His works for His people. In order to do His work, one must be very still and trust and know that He is God”.
Last year, Ms Khan assisted two women in Lautoka City who were being abused by their partners in broad daylight.
She said becoming focused on God and honouring His Word meant standing up for truth and justice in and out of the courtroom
She said she was willing to be the legal and spiritual voice for many who are suffering in silence, shame and fear.
Ms Khan said she hoped the Fiji Police Force would form a domestic violence department where victims of same could report to and counselling could also take place.
“Our domestic violence and rape cases are just growing, we need more legal reforms in this area, not to just make the law, implement it. It is also important to recognise frivolous claims from the beginning.
“We would like a domestic violence department in police stations that can counsel men and women and help them through the court process also. Most do not know the court process.
“A lot of these domestic violence survivors have children and the question that needs to be asked is, how do they survive the trauma endured?
“Everyone needs assistance and counselling, sometimes family issues can be resolved through peaceful dialogue and counselling, if we get that division going, it’s going to be better for everyone.”
