“But,it was just a slap!”. That was what she said, her voice trembling, trying to smile, eyes searching mine for permission to minimise it. I held her hand and gently, but firmly whispered, “No, my sister- it was never ‘just a slap’; it was a slap!”
As an African woman living in Germany-and as someone who listens,speaks,and stands with victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse (DVA),-l have heard this phrase far too many times.
And each time it breaks my heart.
When we minimize “small” abuse,we lock ourselves in invisible chains-chains of silence, shame,guilt,regret and survival.
From one dignity visionary to another , Let`s unlearn the silence, refuse the suffering, and redefine our strength-not as enduring abuse ,but saying no to it! calling a “Slap” even when it leaves no visible mark – a hand lifted against you as abuse.
Let´s persist in reclaiming ourselves,our dignity,our vision for healthy relationships and safe homes-without apology,without shame and say no to abuse.” Enough is Enough!”
