A disturbing explanation why abused women often suffer in silence

The singer Kelis has accused her former husband, the rapper Nas, of domestic violence during their five-year marriage.

During an interview with Hollywood Unlocked, Kelis revealed the extent of the abuse which caused the separation.

She said:

It was dark. It was really dark.

There was a lot of drinking. There was a lot of physical and mental abuse.

And it just got to the point where... God is so good, because being pregnant - I probably would have stayed longer had I not been pregnant.

Because I really did love him and we were married. This was my person.

Nas is yet to comment on the accusations but it hasn't stopped people clambering to "hear both sides".

That is something that author and educator Erica Buddington has heard since Kelis told her story.

In an attempt to address the problems women face during an abusive relationship and why some decide to stay silent, Erica shared a similar story about a young woman she knew at college.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or suspect someone might be, call the free phone24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline on 0800 2000 247

If you're LGBT+, Galop have a free National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline and online chat - 0800 999 5428

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