Kiambu-based psychologist Gladys Chania has advised both men and women to shun abusive relationships.
Chania notes that the tendency of couples to stay in abusive relationships, both emotional and physical, is the leading cause of the increasing cases of crimes of passion.
The child and adult psychologist states that most cases of domestic violence occur due to failure by couples to seek help in regards to the economic and social issues they might be facing in their relationship.
“There are too many depression cases and social/economic issues in families. People don’t seek help and instead choose to wait for them to face out as they came in,” said Chania.
She further notes that verbal abuse in relationships should act as a warning sign of an unhealthy relationship, adding that violence is usually preceded by emotional abuse.
“I have said many times don't walk, run. Not only a slap but verbal assaults are enough signs of what is on the way...RUN,” she added.
Chania was reacting to a case in which a woman is reported to have been beaten to death by her husband.
The victim is said to have screamed and called for help for over four hours but none of her neighbours in Kahawa Sukari responded to her distress calls.
Chania has now called on Kenyans to embrace community policing as well as the Nyumba Kumi Initiative to avert such cases in future.
“With a proper structure as well as collaboration with the national coordination security teams, neighbours shouldn't fear to answer distress calls from fellow neighbours to save lives,” she added.
#hivisasaoriginal