By Millicent Senava Mannah
Behind closed doors, far from public view, countless women continue to suffer in silence at the hands of those who once vowed to love and protect them. One such harrowing story has emerged from Makeni, where a woman is enduring daily abuse, both physical and emotional, at the hands of her husband, Abubakarr Jalloh.
The victim, now a mother of two, has allegedly been subjected to brutal beatings from as early as one month into their marriage. The abuse is not only frequent but deeply traumatic, occurring in front of their children. Shocking images circulating on social media show visible injuries inflicted by her husband, evidence of the physical toll the violence has taken on her body.
But the abuse goes far beyond bruises and broken skin. Emotional and verbal assaults have become a regular weapon in Abubakarr’s arsenal of control. According to reports, he repeatedly calls her degrading names and belittles her to the point where her own father has reached out for help. This is not just a marriage in trouble, this is a crisis that requires immediate intervention.
Sadly, many still believe abuse must be physical to be real. This misconception traps countless women in toxic, dangerous relationships. Abuse can take many forms, psychological manipulation, financial control, intimidation, isolation, and verbal degradation. The scars from such non-physical abuse may not be visible, but they cut just as deep, if not deeper.
The pressing question remains: why is she still with him? The answer is layered. Fear, stigma, financial dependence, cultural expectations, and concern for the children are just some of the barriers that keep survivors tied to their abusers. But staying can have fatal consequences.
This is why it is critical for victims to know they are not alone. Resources do exist. Survivors are encouraged to reach out to the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police, the Legal Aid Board, or women’s rights organizations across the country. There is help, and there is a way out.
Domestic violence is not a private matter, it’s a human rights violation. We must continue to raise awareness, challenge harmful gender norms, and demand justice for survivors. No woman should have to choose between staying silent or suffering alone.
If you are in an abusive relationship, speak out. Your life matters. Leave to live.
