From Silence to Strength: One Woman’s Escape from Emotional Abuse
Sadia (name changed), once trapped in a cycle of manipulation and emotional abuse, has found the courage to break free, reclaiming her life and identity in the process. Her story is one of quiet resilience, reflecting a reality faced by many women behind closed doors.
“When we first met, he was perfect,” Sadia recalled. “Charming, caring, everything I had dreamed of. Slowly, that image faded — replaced by someone I barely recognized.”
What began as a loving relationship gradually shifted. Casual remarks about her appearance turned into sharp criticism. Her husband’s disapproval extended beyond her wardrobe to her friends and family, until she found herself increasingly isolated.
“It happened so subtly that I didn’t even realize I was changing to fit his expectations,” she said. Friends she had known for years drifted away, and visits to her own parents grew rare. “He made me believe they were a bad influence. I started questioning everyone except him.”
Dr. Abdul Hamid, a psychiatrist with the Monobikash Foundation, describes this as a hallmark of narcissistic abuse. “These individuals often seek complete control,” he explained. “Through constant criticism and emotional manipulation, they diminish their partner’s self-worth and independence.”
Sadia’s breaking point came after the birth of their daughter and a move abroad. Dependent on her husband both emotionally and financially, she endured his growing volatility, particularly after he lost his job during the pandemic. What outsiders saw as a polite and well-mannered man, Sadia experienced as unpredictable and intimidating behind closed doors.
One night, while she was putting their infant daughter to bed, a confrontation escalated. “He barged in, shouting with no regard for the baby. She looked at me with so much fear — and I knew I had to get us out,” Sadia said, her voice trembling. She managed to flee to a neighboring home, where she and her baby spent the night safely.
Two weeks later, she returned to her parents’ home and began taking steps to rebuild. She filed for divorce, resumed her career, and focused on giving her daughter a peaceful life. Today, the child is three, and Sadia is regaining control of her future.
“Leaving isn’t easy,” she admitted. “But when the signs are there, you need to stop ignoring them. I learned that strength isn’t in enduring pain — it’s in choosing yourself.”
Her case is one of the few where a victim is able to walk away. Many others remain trapped, hindered by financial dependence, social stigma, and a patriarchal system that normalizes female endurance over escape.
Dr. Hamid emphasizes that societal norms often perpetuate abuse. “Women are conditioned to believe they must hold families together, even at the cost of their own mental and emotional well-being,” he said.
In marriages where the abuse isn’t visible, the damage can be deep and lasting. Especially when children are involved, the emotional toll multiplies. For many women, career setbacks after childbirth mean total dependence on their spouse, giving abusers more leverage to exert control.
But Sadia’s story is also a reminder that leaving is possible — and necessary. Marriage should be a partnership rooted in respect, not fear.
For those experiencing similar abuse, experts urge seeking help — from trusted individuals, support networks, or mental health professionals. Abuse, in any form, should never be normalized.
“You are not alone,” Sadia said. “You can rebuild, and your happiness is worth fighting for.”
Leave A Comment