The ManicaPost
I am a girl aged 17 and I listen to your show on radio for teenagers called Jeans and Jergins. My problem is that my father beats my mother a lot.
The reasons for beating her differ and are many. I used to think that she deserved it but now I feel sorry for her.
What I don’t understand is why she continues to stay with this abusive man. Maybe she is staying because of me and my two younger brothers. How can I help her?
Tete Barbara Responds
Gender Based Violence not only affects the one being abused but it is a cancer like problem that eats away even those who are around the abused.
Children like you are traumatized by the deeds of irresponsible adults. Nobody deserves to be physically, emotionally or mentally abused and it is wrong for society to ignore or defend an abuser.
I am glad that you no longer think that your mother deserved to be beaten and that you have shifted your emotions for the better. Now, you need to help her by confiding in her about how you feel when you see her being beaten.
She needs you to be a pillar of strength but do not get involved directly. Find a close relative that you trust to confide in so that they intervene and perhaps give your parents some good advice.
Your mother has her reasons for remaining in the relationship but do not expect her to open up to you. If she has a sister or a close and trustworthy friend, it could help you get your thoughts to her.
Your mother is the only one who can make the decision to either walk out of her marriage or to take legal action against her husband, your father.
In the meantime continue your studies and fight for a better life for yourself and your family. Give your mother lots of love every single day, she needs you.
All the best.
