Let me try and put myself in their shoes ……
They say …
Should I stay or should I go
We love each other
It was just that one time they raised their voice.. we got over it
They said, they would never do it again
(it happens again)
The inner turmoil ensues. They go through all the motions again; they remember the fun times.
They go through their Rolodex of happy memories and begin to convince themselves that this; this would be the last time.
Then people will say …
See ehen you don turn punching bag oh, how you fit stay there
Na wa oh! They don’t have sense to move out ni
They are staying because of the money and fame jare, they want to save face
In fact, I don’t feel sorry for them
But what we don’t see is how strong they are and what they face…
They are told, you can’t talk or tell anyone or I will harm your children
They have no access to the outside world; they are put on a lease
I’m sorry I can’t talk to you now, my oga won’t be happy with me
They begin to think what would people say
Then they get aggressive…
It’s not your life jor leave me alone, we understand each other.
Then they accept and try and move forward…
Chai, I should leave them oh, I’m better than this
Then the questions come
Where would I go, how would I look, chai God na me be this
In fact, I’m leaving tomorrow, but what about the kids
What if I can’t get them, Oluwa oh where are you na
If I go what will I do? I have no education no skills..
Baba God from where to where
They had that look in their eye again, the same look they have before the beatings begin
They were not looking at me; they were looking at my children
Yes, I’m getting out of here enough is enough
Now I’m Ready.
This is Physical
This is Mental
This is Emotional
This is Domestic Violence
It happens to both men and women
Give them time and be ready when they are.
