Not Anymore! End Domestic Violence

By Mony Akpakan

11 October 2021

Story 1

My name is X and here is my story.

I am not anymore afraid to speak out!

Being subjected to different forms of abuse throughout a relationship and remaining silent, forgive, accept, endure, and fall in love again thinking everything will be better… Sometimes afraid to speak up, sometimes afraid of people’s reaction, sometimes afraid of threats, and sometimes afraid to step out. The fear of harming someone’s career or dying if I speak, were all what kept me in this relationship.

The blow that I received yesterday was the last! This was the one that got me up and out of that grip. I understood that my life does not stop there, does not stop at marriage; I have so much talents, so many other things much more positive to do and share. …

To all women in situation like this, even if you think it is okay or have been told that marriage is difficult therefore you should endure, I am begging you: at the first sigh of violence, PLEASE LEAVE! Do not wait until the fatal blow. GO!!

Story 2

My name is X. When I was a teenager, I was emotionally and physically abused by my boyfriend at the time. He had a temper, and used to hit me when I opposed him. He took away my sense of agency, and made me live in fear constantly. I wanted to please him, so he wouldn’t hurt me again. When I mustered the courage to break up with him after 3 years of abuse, I regained my sense of self. Abusive relationships exist in all ages. Say no to Domestic Violence. Say no to abuse. Not anymore!