Men experiencing domestic violence

Nobulawo Sitshaluza

Vukile Fredy Mayekhiwe stays in address number 5368 block 1, aged 41years. He met his now ex-girlfriend in Mthatha Eastern Cape over the December holidays. He payed for transportation for his girlfriend to come and stay with him all the way from Mthatha.

He says that “he was happier than when he was staying with her, but his happiness was short lived. His ex-girlfriend would get drunk and then emotional abuse would start by insults that made him feel small compared his ex-boyfriend the father of her kids and they did not have kids. He also told me there was a time when his girlfriend cheated on him, and they had regular arguments and fight. The tenants in his yard called the residents and the girl was told to pack up and leave “.

He says that” the way he was so broken he felt useless to the point that he started having suicidal thoughts. He says he is a decent guy who provided for all her needs and never thought that this relationship would end in such a toxic manner.

He says,” talking about it to people and going to church has helped him cope”. There are 3 kinds of abuse which are physical, emotional and psychology. Iam glad that he is feeling emotional strong and no longer has suicidal thoughts.