Broadcaster Urges Women To Leave Abusive Relationships: He Will Not Change

Cameroonian broadcaster and life coach Leonard Bruce, popularly known as Mr Behyia, has urged women experiencing domestic violence to speak out, report their abusers and leave abusive relationships rather than remain in the hope that their partners will change.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Behyia described domestic violence as a recurring cycle, warning that a partner who physically assaults a woman may continue the behaviour if the situation is not addressed.

The broadcaster also cautioned women against assuming that an abuser can always be identified by his public image. He noted that some individuals who appear respectable, kind and well-mannered in public may allegedly behave differently in private, stressing the need for victims to speak up and seek help.

Behyia further appealed to parents to educate their daughters about the importance of personal safety and independence. He said women should understand that remaining single or returning to their family home is preferable to enduring violence in a relationship.

He also addressed young men, advising them not to remain in relationships solely out of pity. According to him, men have a responsibility to treat their partners with kindness, care and respect.

Reflecting on the effects of domestic violence on families, Behyia said some people grow up carrying emotional wounds from witnessing abuse between their parents. He particularly highlighted situations where women remain in violent relationships because they lack financial independence or believe they must endure the situation for the sake of their children.

He encouraged people to build relationships founded on empathy, respect and genuine care, while urging victims of abuse to break their silence.

“Once he has beaten you one time, he will beat you again. And again. If he beats you once, expose him and leave. Don’t hide it and hope he will change,” Behyia stated.

He further warned about the potentially devastating consequences of remaining in violent relationships and urged victims to report abuse rather than protect their perpetrators.

Behyia concluded by calling on anyone experiencing domestic violence to speak out, seek support and prioritize their safety, while offering a prayer for people trapped in abusive situations to find the courage and opportunity to escape.