Story 7: 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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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”

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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.