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Jenifer, a woman who endured years of domestic abuse, shared her account of the final time her husband physically attacked her. She recalled coming out of the bathroom wearing only a towel when he suddenly assaulted her, prompting her to decide that she could no longer stay in the marriage.
She explained that she was brought up by her grandmother after her mother gave birth to her, and later lived with her mother following her grandmother’s death. Growing up, she struggled with her siblings, with whom she has never had a close relationship.
After finishing secondary school, Jenifer moved to Nairobi for work. There, she met her older husband, and they quickly fell in love. Choosing independence over returning to her family, she married him and started their life together.
Her first experience of domestic violence occurred after returning home late from an outing with friends. Over the three years of their marriage, disagreements often escalated into physical abuse. The last assault happened after a week-long silence between them, when her husband attacked her as she stepped out of the bathroom, leaving her vulnerable and scared.
Fortunately, her neighbors heard her cries and came to her rescue. They helped cover her, provided clothing, and took her to the hospital for treatment. Jenifer revealed that she has now resolved to end the marriage, urging other women trapped in abusive relationships to prioritize their safety and self-respect by leaving harmful situations rather than enduring continued abuse.
