A Sierra Leonean woman, Hawanatu Shaw, is seeking a safe place elsewhere after allegedly suffering domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend for approximately two years.
Shaw says she endured repeated incidents of alleged domestic abuse during her relationship with her boyfriend before eventually leaving Sierra Leone in search of safety for herself and her child.
According to Shaw’s account, the alleged abuse occurred during her relationship and became increasingly difficult for her to endure. She said cultural and social expectations surrounding relationships also made it difficult for her to speak openly about her situation or seek help.
Shaw explained that, in some communities, women experiencing domestic violence may feel pressured to remain in relationships because of traditional beliefs about male authority over women. Such attitudes, she said, can discourage victims from reporting alleged abuse or seeking assistance.
The situation allegedly escalated on one occasion when an argument between Shaw and her boyfriend became physical. During the incident, she said her boyfriend attempted to punch her but missed and accidentally struck her child in the eye.
Shaw said the injury has continued to affect her child’s vision, adding to her concerns about the safety and wellbeing of her family.
According to her account, the alleged violence eventually caused her to fear for both her own safety and that of her child. Her father subsequently took the opportunity to help her leave Sierra Leone and travel overseas, where she is now seeking a safe environment in which to rebuild her life.
Shaw said returning to Sierra Leone would expose her to the risk of further violence and that she does not currently feel safe returning to the environment from which she fled.
She said her decision to leave the country was driven by fear for her safety and life, as well as her desire to establish a secure environment for herself and her child.
Domestic violence remains a serious concern for women and families, with survivors often facing social, economic and family pressures that can make it difficult to leave abusive relationships.
Shaw’s experience highlights the difficult circumstances faced by survivors of domestic violence who leave their homes and travel to other countries in search of protection, particularly when they fear returning to the environment where the alleged abuse occurred.
Hawanatu Shaw is now hoping to find a safe place where she and her child can live without fear and begin rebuilding their lives away from the alleged violence.