Story 12: 16 Days, 16 Stories

TW Warning: These stories contain detailed descriptions of abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, physical violence and other forms of harassment and discrimination which may be triggering.

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My husband and in-laws had been hurting me for years. We lived with my in-laws and my mother-in-law would often complain to my husband about things I did or didn’t do around the house. Nothing I ever did was ever good enough, she would sometimes even tell him I was rude to her. My husband didn’t like this, he would shout at me, punch me, and bang my head against the wall. My mother-in-law would be outside the door, listening and waiting to hit me with her scarf. My abaya and niqab (face-veil) would hide the bruises but I was at the lowest point in my life mentally. The depression sought me to seek advice from a close family relative, who was a maulana. This was my biggest mistake, he told my husband everything and the blows that followed pushed me further into depression. Now, I have come to terms that this is my life and I have no way out.

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If you or someone you know is being abused and needs help, please contact BAML’s Hotline at 284-2613 or 257-5582. WhatsApp Messages are also accepted. This is a free, highly confidential service.