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.
It didn’t matter that I wanted to continue my studies. I loved school and wanted to focus on my education so I could have a career. However, there came the time when I was considered ‘of age’ and started receiving proposals for marriage. I didn’t know any of the men who came to ask my parents to marry me. I felt like I was still a child, I barely knew myself! The family pressure to get married grew stronger and stronger and eventually I accepted one of the proposals. The marriage didn’t work. It didn’t work because he would physically abuse me. I refused to accept that. Much to the dismay of my family, I returned home after a divorce. They told me “if he had killed you, we would’ve just told people you died”
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.