"SO HOW DO YOU CLAIM SELF DEFENSE?"
Abuse doesn't always start with a slap, harassment doesn't always have to be physical, some words cut deeper than knives and Akin knew that.
Abuse is not always accompanied by bruises , sometimes just stories untold. Emotional abuse is not taking as seriously because of lack of “ evidence” which makes it harder for victims to speak up.
There was no physical proof. So how could I explain that our last trip to Bali felt like walking on hot coal? That every tourist attraction carried a new memory of embarrassment?
Jumoke would always say " Ore mi, you don't know how lucky you are, Akin is every woman's dream". What she didn't know, What none of them knew was i was trapped in a nightmare I had no clue how to wake up from.
He placed me in invisible chains. Somehow I found one excuse after another to escape my reality, I'd rather drown in delusion than explain how not-so-perfect my perfect husband was.
Maybe if I didn't let all those " jokes" slide while we were courting, my story might be different. Maybe.
I hadn't worn shorts in the last three years not because I had outgrew them like I told everyone but because my husband said they were for those with "sexy" legs and not "muscular" legs like mine.
The first time he cheated, he cried, begged and rolled on the floor but in all that , he didn't fail to tell me it was all my fault. He said I was "useless in bed" and Itoro his assistant had a fire he couldn't resist . He never promised that it wouldn't repeat itself.
So when I confronted him about Shalewa, the new Intern, he simply brushed it off. He laughed saying he had respected me enough not to do it under our roof , Then he joked about the gym.
It was the constant snide remarks and conscious putting me down. Day after day, criticism became my morning coffee and He never forgot to remind me how lucky I was to be with him.
I told him of my dream to own the biggest textile mill in Africa, I had explained step by step. He scoffed " Your Osogbo brain wouldn't take you so far". And in that same breath, he praised Alakija .
So no, this murder wasn’t premeditated. Imagine my shock when that charge was brought against me in court.
It was in self defense. Spontaneous. Well the first stab was. But SUBSEQUENT ones? They were every unspoken reply to every insult I swallowed for years.
"Did he hit you?"
"No"
"So how you claim self defense?"
Because not all scars live on the skin.
Abuse is not always accompanied by bruises , sometimes just stories untold. Emotional abuse is not taking as seriously because of lack of “ evidence” which makes it harder for victims to speak up.
LET'S SAY NO TO ABUSE TODAY ‼️
Short but the talent can be seen, Yes not all abuse is physical, it also can be psychological.
ReplyDeleteWriter should challenge her imagination to more captive of the reader by exploring more scenes in the story.
This story is a powerful exploration of emotional abuse and its devastating impact. The author's use of creative storytelling to highlight the complexities of abuse is commendable.
ReplyDeleteThe narrative sheds light on the subtle yet damaging ways emotional abuse can manifest, such as belittling comments, gaslighting, and manipulation. The main character's struggles to convey the extent of her suffering due to the lack of physical evidence are relatable and heartbreaking.
The story also touches on the theme of self-defense, both physical and emotional. The main character's actions are portrayed as a desperate response to years of psychological torment.
The author's message about recognizing and validating emotional abuse is crucial. It's a reminder that abuse is not just physical and that victims often face significant barriers to speaking out.
The writing style is engaging, and the author's tone effectively conveys the emotional intensity of the story. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and impactful piece that encourages readers to think critically about abuse and its many forms.
I enjoyed it and I was expecting pages to unfold
ReplyDeleteFor some persons, it could take more than one read to capture the pain in the heart of the writer. A very captivating piece that leaves the reader wanting more.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a rare occurrence and only few of such cases get to the surface, especially when the victim becomes victorious in wanting to confront their fears head with the intention of elimination forever. Without wanting to sound biased, the man misjudged his choice of a wife. He went too far in his brazen impunity on her emotions, instead of outright jumping ship and set her free.
She also bottled too much and exploded beyond control.
A nice read, anyway.
As interesting as always.... I agree with you my dear... There's no excuse for abuse
ReplyDeleteAn interesting story, one that many can relate to because many women are in this same situation and are not ready to speak up for the very same reason- no evidence.
ReplyDeleteI wish the writer had figured out a way to overcome that issue - maybe by recording the man's words or something that could give victims a clue on how to move forward or what to do in such a situation.
I also would have liked a bit more volume or dimensions to the story ie more scenes; however, the story is well written, easy to understand and interesting
Fantastic sis
ReplyDeleteWell done
This article is very appropriate and should be widely circulated in most forums.
ReplyDeleteEmotional abuse is becoming too rampant in our society, especially in marriages. It can also be experienced on social media where defamatory and unpleasant comments are made about people. Many have committed suicide, gone mentally sick, and even attempted to commit murder as seen in this article.
My contributions are
The affected person (especially in marriages ) should seek help when the need arises and leave if it becomes unbearable.
Legal punitive measures should be in place for eering persons if there is need for Legal action.
We should always check on friends and loved ones always. People are passing through lots of emotional trauma.
May your ink never run dry Dear. No excuse for abuses
ReplyDeleteVery few words have been used here to summarize a very long story that everyone everyday and everywhere can relate to. You are a wonderful writer who easily carries the reader along. Please give us more.
ReplyDeleteOnyeoma
A strong talented and gifted writer. From the very first sentence the readers attention is already captured with sympathy for most people who doesn't speak out until they have their back on the wall and their reaction drastic.
ReplyDeleteA very talented and well-written story. The intelligence of the author is well shown.
ReplyDeleteThe story is short but message very clear....psychological and mental abuse is real and the invisible wound does not heal as fast as that of physical abuse...toxic relationships should be avoided like a plague. Great masterpiece my dear Ndubuma
ReplyDelete👍🏻
ReplyDeleteYou're surely headed for a Booker's Prize for Literature with the way you write. Really amazing that a girl of 21 could write this beautifully and maturely. Well, I am not too surprised, your father was like that. He had a knack with literature and literary adventures. He was a pen pusher per excellence.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up and surely the sky is your starting point
This is an excellent write up, you explained what Ian abuse is. Keep it up, the sky is your starting point.
ReplyDeleteKept me wanting more…
ReplyDeleteSuch a captivating piece.
ReplyDeleteBunma baby, you are very right.. Emotional pains are more dangerous than physical wounds. Thank you for this piece
ReplyDeleteBravo 👏🏽👏🏽 keep up with the good works
ReplyDeleteA well thought out and captivating piece.
ReplyDeleteI admire your use of words and style of writing. Yes, emotional abuse leaves no physical scars, it destroys self confidence and ruins relationships. Let us all SAY NO to any kind of abuse. Please keep it up Bunma!
ReplyDeleteEmotional abuse in a relationship is not only toxic but dangerous. Instead of waiting to commit murder, you know when to draw the line. As much as there's no excuse for abuse, there's equally no excuse for murder.
ReplyDeleteMum
Excellent. It is easy to read and the message conveyed is very clear. Some victims may not fully grasp the fact that they are under 58an abusive relationship. This short write up is very enlightening and also a reminder that it is unacceptable. The society and our laws should encourage abusers to open up before it ruins their mental health. Thanks for choosing this very relatable topic. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteEhhyaaaa!!! She's going to jail
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting write up, emphasis base on physical and emotional abuse. Whereby the physical abuse is more pronounce in the society through evidence to proof while emotional abuse is always silence but very dangerous to the mental health. I feel both abuses should be treated accordingly to avoid psychology trauma in the society and well being of mankind.
ReplyDeleteWell done and keep it up.
Interesting and reality of life.All happened as a result of bottled anger, dying in silence,and pretext . Well done 👍 Buma
ReplyDeleteFidel Oriaifo
ReplyDeleteHonestly not all abuses are physical. I totally agree that Emotional, Verbal and Psycological abuses cut the deepest and much more damaging than physical abuse. The fact that there is no physical evidence easily leads to extreme mental disorder, which can cause the victim to retaliate physically that would now seem much more disappropriate to the hurt and or abuse.
In all I congratulate the writer for a Good job done.
🌾🌾
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good illustration of abuse which is not the normal physical abuse most individuals are familiar with and it is under emphasized because there is no form of evidence to show for such level of abuse but trust me, it pierces and hurts much more than one could imagine. So, IMAX , we look forward to seeing more illustrations like this to show how important these things are and how we could go about them. Well done IMAX!!!! You never disappoint
ReplyDelete