How I realised my relationship was abusive – Monalisa Stephen

• Nigerian actress and content creator Monalisa Stephen has disclosed her experience in an abusive relationship.
• In an interview with Saturday Beats, she admitted that she initially didn’t recognize she was in an abusive relationship until she was physically assaulted.
• Monalisa Stephen then shared her first assault that made the abuse dawn on her.

Monalisa Stephen, a Nigerian actress and content creator, has shared her experience regarding an abusive relationship she was in.

In a recent interview with Saturday Beats, Monalisa Stephen revealed that she did not recognize the signs of abuse until she was subjected to physical violence. In her words:

“I didn’t really know it was a thing. I used to hear other women talk about it, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. I used to believe, ‘I’m a huge woman with a big body, why would anyone want to beat me?’ But it has nothing to do with your body.

“You can be abused whether you’re fat or not. When I got the first slap, I was shocked. What led to the slap wasn’t even worth it. I was dazed. The experience was unexpected, and I felt really bad coming from someone I trusted. Even though he was below my league, I lowered my standards to date him.

“This person kept beating me and humiliating me. I asked him, ‘Why do you keep doing this to me?’ and he said his friend told him that people like me need to be ‘bent’ so he could dominate me. That made me see some men in a different light.”

Monalisa Stephen further noted that while many assume public figures do not face challenges, the reality is quite the opposite.

Additionally, she mentioned that some individuals, including those who pursue relationships with them, view celebrities as potential targets.