‘I was beaten, threatened with death, and told to stay’ – Woman recounts ordeal in marriage

Ama, a survivor of domestic abuse, shared her harrowing experience of a marriage that took a dark turn on Joy FM's Super Morning Show. She recounted how her love for her husband gradually transformed into emotional manipulation and physical abuse. Ama decided to leave her marriage on her 25th birthday after realizing that staying could cost her life.

Her decision to leave was sparked by an incident where she defended herself with a metal bar during an attack, only to be accused of being the aggressor. This accusation changed her perception of the relationship, making her realize that her husband could easily turn the tables and portray himself as the victim. Ama described this moment as the beginning of her awakening and helped her recognize that the treatment she endured was not love or protection but abuse.

Despite warning signs, she initially stayed in the marriage, hoping her partner’s behavior would improve. However, as they married, the physical abuse escalated, often triggered by minor issues. Her husband's behavior also included controlling her choices, discouraging her from seeking support from her family, and expecting her to discuss significant decisions with him before making them.

The church and her family pressured her to stay, but when the abuse became severe, she stood up for herself, fought back, and refused physical intimacy. The church and her families initially encouraged counseling, but Ama rejected their advice, stating that the issue lay with her husband's violence.