KARACHI:
In Pakistani society, a dark secret hides behind silence and shame. Many women suffer emotional abuse in their marriages, caused by husbands with narcissistic personalities. This abuse leaves deep scars that last a lifetime. Unfortunately, our society often ignores this problem until it turns physical, financial or loud. This lack of attention is a major weakness in our family system.
Behind the façade of seemingly perfect marriages, husbands wield emotional manipulation like a weapon, suffocating their wives’ souls. The weight of zero communication, isolation and mental load crushes the very essence of their being. The cries for help are muffled, the pain ignored, and the suffering trivialised. The husband’s family, often complicit in this charade, enables the abuse, hiding behind the excuse of “he’s the man of the house, the breadwinner”.
The victims, trapped in this abyss, are forced to bear the burden of their husband’s narcissism. Frustration and desperation simmer, sometimes boiling over into abuse towards their own children, perpetuating a vicious cycle. Marriages crumble, and families shatter, leaving behind a trail of broken dreams and shattered lives.
The future generations inherit this toxic legacy, their mental wellbeing compromised by the unresolved trauma of their mothers. The silence is deafening, a haunting reminder of our collective failure to acknowledge the anguish of these women.
Let us shatter the shackles of silence. Let us recognise emotional abuse for the evil it is, and support the victims in their quest for solace. Let us educate ourselves, our families and our communities to create a safe haven for those suffering in the shadows. Only then can we begin to heal the wounds, rebuild the shattered lives, and create a brighter future for generations to come.
The silent scream must be heard. The time for change is now.
Sana Ahmed
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2024.
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