I recently watched news on citizen TV of a second year university student by the name Mercy Momanyi in hospital, nursing serious burns after her boyfriend of two years poured hot water on her face and body.
This news spoilt my day and left me sad. A young couple full of promise whose lives are going to be completely changed because of one reckless move.
One moment of anger. Just one split second and your whole life could take a turn for the worst.
According to the girl, they had a fight with her boyfriend that resulted in the guy handing her a beating. She decided to go and report him to his mother, something the guy didn’t take lightly. He then poured hot on her.
Mercy during happier days
Mercy in hospital recieving treatment after suffering serious burns
The guy – who goes by the name Sheldon – then went back to the united states where he resides and left Mercy fighting for her life in Kisii hospital. As the bill kept pilling up Mercy’s family tried to reach out to Sheldon’s family to help them clear it. His family were ready to do so, but on one condition – that Mercy drops the charges against their boy.
I don’t know if to this point Mercy and her family have dropped the charges but I sure hope they can get a good lawyer and get the justice she deserves.
Domestic violence should never be condoned and is actually illegal in most countries, and those who commit such acts should face legal consequences to deter future abuse.
Every Human being has the right to live a life free of violence and fear. Tolerating domestic violence violates these basic human rights. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a man – if you are in a relationship that lacks compassion or respect, do not tolerate it. Walk away, please. DO NOT ignore the cues and the red flags. Because if you do the abuse escalates and could one day end up in cases like Mercy’s: or worse.
Domestic violence causes physical injuries that could leave terrible scars, but for me it’s the long-lasting psychological trauma to victims that is worse. Trauma that some may never fully recover from.
Some of the side effects on victims may include but are not limited to suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Is it worth it? 100% no. I have one mantra and one mantra only. Walk away.
Walk away from confrontations; whether verbal or physical. And if they hit you once, they’ll probably do it a second time. Safeguard your mental well being.
To sum it up, Tolerating domestic violence goes against fundamental moral and ethical principles that promote compassion, respect, and empathy in society.
If you know anyone close to you that undergoes any sort of abuse, try and be there for them. Support victims in breaking free from abusive situations. Talk to them without being judgemental and remember it’s never easy for victims to break free from the shackles of the perpetrator.
Let us show a little empathy to Mercy instead of mocking her and turning her into “hot water” jokes as some are already doing on tiktok. Abuse has no formula, it could be her today and tomorrow it could be you or a close family member. Some empathy and sympathy could go a long way.
Meanwhile, justice for Mercy.
