Well, well, well, we are back! Right now, I am on #TheBalcony, surrounded by fresh air and a beautiful view, but feeling a bit sad and lost.
Today, I wan
t to address the deeply troubling issues of domestic and gender-based violence, especially in light of the tragic death of Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic athlete whose life was cut short when her boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her on fire.
Don’t be alarmed; I’ll be brief and blunt.
While domestic violence can take many forms, one thing is unequivocal: if it turns physical—or even if you sense it might—pack your bags and move on with your life. Never give a second chance to physical abuse.
I, for one, have yet to find a single justification for an adult raising their hand to a spouse. It’s baffling that this violence sometimes unfolds in front of children, neighbors, or even in public view. It’s as if the act of inflicting pain somehow becomes a grotesque performance.
Let’s be clear: domestic violence is not a matter of misunderstanding or occasional friction. It is a profound betrayal of trust and safety. When someone resorts to physical violence, it is a deliberate act of control and domination, one that has no place in any relationship. The arguments that try to downplay or excuse such behavior are as destructive as the violence itself.
The reason we should pack our bags and move on is not just for our physical safety, but for our dignity, mental health, and self-respect. Every moment spent in a toxic environment is a moment robbed from a life of peace and potential. The notion that enduring abuse might somehow lead to reconciliation or improvement is a cruel illusion.
The time for excuses and apologies is over. It is essential to recognize that no relationship is worth sacrificing your life.
Everyone deserves a life free from fear. So, if you or someone you know is caught in the cycle of violence, remember this: you are not alone, and there is a path out.
Do not wait for things to get better on their own. Sometimes, moving on isn’t just about leaving a place; it’s about reclaiming your life and your future.
