“I Became a Punching Bag for Two Years” — Lady Recounts Her Experience in an Abusive Relationship

Social media was thrown into a wave of emotions after a young woman opened up about the harrowing details of her abusive relationship that lasted for two years. The revelation came after a conversation on X (formerly Twitter), where netizens were discussing the dangers of staying in toxic relationships and the urgent need for victims to walk away at the earliest signs of violence. Among the many voices, one stood out: that of a woman identified simply as Favour, who narrated how she endured relentless abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, abuse so severe that it nearly cost her life.

Responding to a cautionary post by Sir David Onyemaizu, who had advised people to quit toxic and abusive relationships before they spiral into irreversible damage, Favour detailed how she became a victim of constant physical assault. According to her, she remained in the relationship for two years despite several warning signs and countless assaults, hoping things would change or perhaps fearing the stigma that comes with leaving. What she described paints a vivid picture of the pain, fear, and hopelessness that often trap victims in such situations.

“I stayed in one for 2 years, the guy turned me into a punching bag,” she wrote. Her words cut sharply, resonating with many who have either lived through similar situations or witnessed friends and relatives endure abuse behind closed doors. She recalled how her then-partner would beat her mercilessly, using belts and other objects until her body was covered in bruises. She even disclosed that at one point, he choked her so severely that she fainted, forcing neighbors to rush her to the hospital. That incident, she noted, was a near-death experience, one that left her shaken but still entangled in the cycle of abuse.

The shocking part of her revelation was not just the extent of the abuse, but the fact that she continued to publicly share these incidents on Facebook at the time, almost as a cry for help that went largely unheeded. For two long years, she endured humiliation, pain, and life-threatening violence while living under the illusion that things would improve, or perhaps out of fear of loneliness and societal judgment. “Guy was literally using belt to plaster my body,” she recounted, painting an image that left many online users horrified.

Her story sparked a flurry of reactions. One user, Maro of Warri, quickly pointed out that the first or second instance of physical assault should have been enough reason to leave. “First beating or second beating is enough for you to run. But your mind kept deceiving you and you overthink about what people will say. Congratulations you saved your life,” he wrote. His comment underscores a painful reality many victims of abuse face: the mental and emotional manipulation that traps them in cycles of violence. Victims often struggle with self-blame, denial, or fear of societal backlash, causing them to stay much longer than they should.

Three years have passed since Favour found the courage to leave the toxic relationship, and she now describes herself as free from the nightmare that once defined her life. Her testimony stands not only as a personal story of survival but also as a warning to others who may be silently enduring similar situations. The fact that she made it out alive and is able to share her experience is a testament to resilience, but not all victims are as fortunate. Many do not survive prolonged abuse, making her story both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Domestic violence, though widely condemned, remains rampant across the globe, with countless victims suffering in silence due to fear, dependency, or societal judgment. In Nigeria and many parts of Africa, cultural and societal norms often make it even harder for women to walk away, as they face pressure to remain “loyal” or “enduring” partners regardless of the circumstances. This cultural weight, combined with financial dependency and emotional manipulation, traps many in situations that pose daily threats to their lives.

The online conversation sparked by Favour’s confession serves as a wake-up call for society at large. It sheds light on the importance of listening when people cry for help, offering support to those in abusive situations, and encouraging them to leave before it is too late. Abuse does not just end with physical scars—it leaves behind deep emotional wounds, trust issues, and in many cases, post-traumatic stress that may take years to heal. Survivors often have to battle nightmares, anxiety, and depression long after leaving the toxic environment.

Favour’s story also highlights the critical role of neighbors, friends, and community in intervening. In her case, it was neighbors who saved her life the day she fainted after being choked. Without their quick response, her story might have ended tragically. This underscores the importance of vigilance and community responsibility—people must not turn a blind eye to abuse happening around them. Too often, victims are left to fight alone, with society dismissing their cries as mere “relationship problems.”

Since sharing her story, many online users have applauded Favour for her bravery and honesty. Survivors of abuse often carry shame or fear of judgment, making it difficult to speak out. By recounting her ordeal publicly, she not only unburdened herself but also created awareness and encouraged others in similar situations to choose self-preservation over silence. Her statement, “It’s been three years I left that demon,” carries with it a powerful message of hope: healing is possible, freedom is attainable, and life after abuse can indeed be worth living.

The online exchange has also reignited discussions about the need for stricter measures against domestic abuse, including stronger legal protections, better support systems for survivors, and public education to dismantle harmful cultural beliefs that normalize or excuse violence. For many commentators, Favour’s experience is a stark reminder that no one should ever remain in a relationship where their safety is at risk. Love should never come with bruises, broken bones, or constant fear.

As conversations continue to flow on social media, one truth stands out clearly: every abusive relationship is a ticking time bomb, and victims must choose life and safety above fear of stigma or loneliness. Favour’s courage to finally walk away and to share her journey openly may save countless others from suffering the same fate. Her voice has become part of a growing chorus urging society to break the silence around domestic violence and to remind victims that their lives are worth far more than the false comfort of staying with an abuser.

In the end, her story is not just about pain but about survival. It is about a woman who endured unimaginable cruelty, fought through fear, and emerged on the other side with her life intact. It is about the power of choosing self-preservation over self-destruction, and about the hope that by speaking out, others may find the courage to leave before it is too late.