Evara’s story prompts GBV witness to step forward

The story of the late journalist was that of a person who had endured a life of constant physical abuse, as alluded to by her family and colleagues. It was also a story of a woman who lacked the help and support needed until it was too late.

Speaking to this newsroom off camera, a female relative of a survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had felt obligated to come forward and share her sister’s story and seek help when she read the late Evara’s story.

She said her sister has been enduring a life of physical abuse for over 10 years.

Just recently, her sister was beaten and forced out of her family home, with her three children, by a drunk husband. They waited hours at the Boroko police station to lodge a report.

“This has been ongoing for a long time. Her family tried to step in a number of times but she keeps returning to the abusive husband with excuses of losing a father to her children,” the relative said.

“I cannot sit by and watch while my sister is being constantly abused; I cannot sit by and watch knowing I can contribute in making a difference.

“Look what happened to the late Rosalyn. I am sure the family and colleagues had tried their best to help her, but obviously they did not try hard enough.

“I will not let that happen to my sister,” she added.

She reiterated that time and again, they try to assist her seek help however, she drops the cases when she considers her children.

In spite of her pain and suffering, she still returns to her abusive husband; even her children sometimes refuse to go back to the house after an episode.

She is now encouraging the public to be vigilant in seeking assistance for survivors.

“We need to take note of the survivor’s wellbeing and do something about it before it is too late.”

The female relative will be taking this matter to relevant authorities and is seeking further advice on how to go about in helping a survivor, even if she is against it.

(Loop file pic)