“My father was always beating my mother” – Nigerian actress opens up

Budding Nollywood actress, Ada Karl, has shared her story about how she grew up in an abusive environment, even though her father was a great dad.

The actress made the revelation in a recent interview with The Nation.

When she was asked about her childhood memories, the actress said,

“I don’t recall anything good, just the bad ones. Like my dad physically abusing my mum – it wasn’t a palatable experience.”

On how it affected her relationship with men, she said,

“I was very suspicious of any man that said ‘hello’ to me because I assumed all men were the same.

I was traumatised and assumed all men were abusive. It affected my view about men. Growing up, I considered being a Nun, but I came from a Pentecostal and Anglican background. So, l wasn’t even bold enough to discuss that with my parents.

Managing the trauma of domestic violence is tough! I never told my friends in school because I was shy and also scared of my dad. My father being an amazing dad also made it harder for me because I felt nobody would believe me.

I still wonder how he could have been such a great dad and an abusive husband, but again he whiplashed us a lot; which is also a trace of abuse. But as a typical African child, I never viewed that as abuse but as an adult I think he was a bit extreme with his disciplinary measures to us.”

Here’s how some people have reacted to her story,

“Maybe your mother too was a Great mother but a troublesome woman “

“This was incredibly brave and honest of her – but it is the reality in many homes . Many men just do not realise that their wives are their equal partners not their subordinates in marriage. Change comes by continually speaking about such physical abuse. Talk , not use your hands like a Neanderthal”

“This is majority of women’s story … that’s why this generation of women are self sufficient”

“Abusive husband but great dad. That hits different?? they forget the kids came from our wombs. Jeezzzzz???”