Esther Ben, who hails from a small community in Esit Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom state, faced a terrific ordeal in the hands of her boyfriend, the father of her twins for years. Her boyfriend, with whom she cohabited, was abusive and manipulative, battered her on many occasions including when she was 6 month pregnant with her twins. The physical abuse was so bad that she was left unconscious and had to be admitted in the hospital for days. Despite her best efforts to protect her children and herself, the situation grew increasingly dangerous by the day. Neighbours in the community where she lived would not intervene nor attempt to rescue the situation for some fear of the man. Some mooted the idea of an arrest but none came forward with the courage to act.
Esther felt trapped in a cycle of violence with no way out for many years.
Fortune smiled on Esther, when her story got to FEYReP via a FEYReP community volunteer, who helped encouraged her to reached out to FEYReP, an organization dedicated to helping victims of Gender Base Violence’s in Akwa Ibom State.
Esther, with the support of FEYReP, found the courage to take action as FEYReP provided Esther with the necessary resources, including financial backing, legal counsel and counselling to help her overcome the trauma via FEYReP’s team of seasoned counsellors. FEYReP worked tirelessly with local law enforcement to build a case against her aggressor and tormentor and which has led to his arrest.
The arrest by law enforcement removed the immediate threat he which posed to Esther and her children.
FEYReP’s intervention in engaging the law enforcers in the arrest of Esther’s partner, paved way for Esther to leave his house and seek a new start elsewhere. FEYReP, however continued to support her through the transition, as she was assisted in securing a safe place for her family and while she is still being offered continuous counseling services as well. She was also enrolled enrollment for empowerment by FEYReP.
Today, Esther stands strong and independent with her twins, thriving in a loving and secure environment. FEYReP’s support played a crucial role in her journey from fear to freedom, and Esther’s story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support in overcoming abuse.