There is no justification for domestic violence. No woman deserves to be beaten. Men who beat their wives or partners are not strong men. It’s unimaginable to claim to love someone and yet cause them so much pain that their world is torn apart. Domestic violence is unacceptable in any decent society.

Domestic violence is a root cause of many broken homes today. But it’s not just about the immediate physical harm; it’s also about the devastating effects it has on the family and the psychological impacts it has on future generations. This continuous indifference to speaking about these issues has characterized our society to where it is today; one lacking empathy, love, and solidarity. We need these conversations often because many homes today are going through trying times due to domestic violence, yet few recognize how detrimental this problem can be.

If there are issues in a relationship, there are better ways to resolve them than turning the woman you claim to love into a punching bag. We must collectively condemn domestic violence in all its forms. We cannot remain silent while our sisters continue to suffer at the hands of predators. Enough is enough.

In Sierra Leone, the laws guiding domestic violence include the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, the Sexual Offences Act of 2012, and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2019. The Domestic Violence Act provides protection for victims and establishes legal procedures to address domestic violence. It outlines various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and economic, and sets forth mechanisms for obtaining protection orders and support services. The Sexual Offences Act addresses sexual violence and abuse, defining various sexual offenses and prescribing penalties for perpetrators. The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act of 2019 further strengthens these provisions by broadening the scope of offenses covered and enhancing penalties to better protect victims.

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One important aspect I want to address is the issue of support mechanisms for victims. These mechanisms should be strengthened to protect victims and ensure they receive justice throughout the recovery process. Many women today remain silent about domestic violence due to societal stigma and fear of the consequences that come with speaking out. Sometimes, due to deep attachment, some women fear the potential breakup of their relationships and cling to partners who perpetrate violence against them. While these fears may seem valid, they lack in comparison to the dangers and harm associated with domestic violence, which can even lead to loss of life.

Women should be able to recognize the signs of a violent relationship early on. As soon as those signs begin to manifest, an alarm should be raised, and they must speak out. They should not wait until it gets to a point where they cannot do anything about it. The pages of history have shown us how dangerous domestic violence can be, jeopardizing the futures of promising women and girls. We cannot sit by and allow such violence to continue. A stitch in time saves nine.

We live in a society that has characterized women as the inferior gender, submissive to the dictates of their male partners, often silenced about the abuse they endure. This patriarchal culture, filled in arrogance and autocracy, prioritizes male attitudinal character over love and family. We must challenge these norms to create a society where every woman can live free from fear and violence.