How my abusive husband became a loving partner
Roseline Guillaume participated in trainings, forums, and workshops as part of a program that works to see positive changes in relationships between men and women in Haiti.
Before I started attending the training offered by the Samaritan’s Purse gender protection program, I had an unhealthy relationship with my husband. It was common for people to gather and watch as my husband verbally and physically abused me. No matter what I did, he found a reason to blame me.
The gender protection group meets in a local church.
One day, someone from my church was sick and couldn’t attend service. After church, a group of us went to visit him. Even though I had told my husband before I left, he found me on my way home and began beating me in the street and accusing me of seeing another man.
As a crowd gathered, I hoped somebody would stand up for me and end the argument. Sadly, it’s common here for husbands to beat their wives, and nobody stopped him. Afterward, I felt so ashamed and couldn’t say or do anything but go home and cry. The embarrassment of this moment was like a scar in my mind, and I couldn’t get over it.
Through the trainings, forums, and workshops that were organized for victims of gender-based violence, I received support that helped me psychologically. I began to discover my true identity in Christ. As I started changing, I decided to tell my husband about what I’d been learning.
By the grace of God, he listened to me. Now my husband has changed and respects me as his wife. We have such a peaceful relationship, and he no longer beats or insults me. Instead we have strong communication, and he has become much more understanding.
I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of the gender protection program. I was trained, and now I share my knowledge with others, including my husband. He no longer treats me like an object; instead, he treats me like a person.
Thank you, Samaritan’s Purse, for teaching us how to have a better relationship. I pray that this program continues.
