#16DaysofActivism: Durban woman opens up about being a domestic violence survivor
A Durban mother who had undergone years of abuse, at the hands of her husband, says it took a single incident on one Christmas day for her to say Enough is Enough.
Manusha Govender from Phoenix, says for five years, she made excuses to stay with the love of her life and father of her 4-year-old child.
"My daughter wanted to change the channels to one of her cartoon programs and as a result of that, she was crying. He became aggressive towards her."
"I actually tried to intervene, and that is when he actually hit me blue and black into a pulp. My inner voice had spoken to me, and I said that I have to break free," she said.
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Battered, bruised, but not broken, she took a stance to end the attack on her life and prevent any more danger to her child.
"I actually filed for a restraining order, even though prior to that, he actually threatened me that he will kill me and kill my baby and not allow me to leave this marriage."
"When I got my restraining order, I build up the courage to get a separation and thereafter a divorce, at the age of 27," she said.
26-years-later, Govender says like so many she was afraid, but it ended up being the best decision she ever made for herself and her daughter.
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She says she believes the both of them would have ended up dead.
"I am not a victim, I am a survivor, and I am a victor and survivor of abuse, and so can you. Women are being killed every day and are being raped at the hands of their partners. Children are being affected by domestic violence."
"I actually barely got out of my own marriage with my life and sanity intact. There is a lot of help out there and we have to stop the silence to violence. I encourage each and every woman going through some sort of abuse, never think anything less of yourself, you are worthy of love, you are worthy of respect, I just want to say your life is too precious," she said.
Listen to the full interview here:
