Obaa Yaa
My husband is a ‘wife-beater’
Dear Obaa Yaa,
WE have been married for the past 10 years but I have no peace in my home. My husband beats me in front of our children after any slight misunderstanding.
Last night, my husband slapped me so hard to the extent that I fell on the floor. My 7-year-old son ran to cover me with his body, crying and screaming.
Anytime he beats me, the children hide in the corner and say they will never marry a man like their father.
My children are traumatised and always scared when their father gets home.
I want to leave but I am unemployed and with no family support. I am afraid my children will grow up thinking violence is normal.
I need an advice. How do I move on from this? How do I protect my children?
From Akorfa, Accra.
Dear Akorfa,
I am really sorry you are going through this and I can imagine how difficult it is.
Marriage is supposed to be peaceful, all about happiness and offer support to each other. No one deserves to experience any form of abuse, especially in front of children.
Have you sat down with your husband to discuss the current situation and how it is affecting the children?
Your safety and well-being are the most important things now and besides, you need to reach a family member, a pastor or any elderly person for counselling.
For the meantime, I will urge you to move out to a safer place. It could be a family house or a friend’s house because the issue will affect the children.
If possible, keep records of incidents like date and time. That can help if you decide to pursue legal action.
Dear Obaa Yaa,
I am 35year –old-lady married to a banker. I am a housewife. I am fair in complexion. I got my left hand tattooed sometime last year. I have never had my peace with my husband because he strongly abhors.
In my attempt to get it erased, I have caused a big scar on my hand which has worsened the situation. Sometime ago, your esteemed paper carried a story about how permanent tattoo can be cleared and a location.
May I know whether it is possible to get the scar and tattoo erased, and how much it would cost.
Worried housewife, Prampram.
Dear housewife,
Since I have no idea how wide and deep the scar and tattoo are, it would be difficult for me to have a meaningful discussion with the specialists at the unit.
I suggest that the next time you visit Accra, you pay a visit to any skincare unit and ask what help they can offer.
But until then, do not apply any self-medication. You may also ask your doctor to advise you as if there is any way out for a surgery. All the best.
Dear Obaa Yaa,
Ever since we got married, two years ago, my husband seldom wears his wedding ring except on occasion such as church service, funerals, outdooring and other social gatherings.
For the rest of the week, he goes to work without it. The excuse he gives is that whether he wears the ring to work or not, he is by law married to me.
But I beg to differ. I suspect there is more to it than what he told me. I need your advice on this.
Eno, Ashiaman.
Dear Eno,
Some men don’t like wearing rings; others enjoy it. It is just like how some women like wearing jewellery or large earing while others would rather do away with them.
The fact, however, is that a man can misbehave even when he wears it or not because there are ladies who wouldn’t mind with the ring on.
When he gets back home, he would wear it again. What difference does it make if he doesn’t wear it all?
