I am a woman and I have been abused - Josina Machel

Josina Machel, the daughter of prominent humanitarian Graca Machel, has spoken out about her harrowing experience of domestic abuse.

Josina Machel, activist and daughter of prominent humanitarian Graca Machel, has opened up about her domestic abuse ordeal, which has left her permanently blind in one eye.

She said her assault last month demonstrates that all women are vulnerable to domestic violence, irrespective of their wealth or socio-economic status.

Dozens of listeners shared their own stories in solidarity after Machel spoke to 702/CapeTalk presenter Redi Tlhabi about the prevalence of domestic violence, the misconceptions of abuse and the stigma which confronts survivors.

Listen to the full conversation from The Redi Tlhabi Show:

I've always been an activist against violence, and felt I couldn't walk the streets without sharing my story. I thought to myself: my story counts, let me tell the truth - I was abused.

Josina Machel, activist and domestic abuse survivor

I refuse to be defined as a victim - I am not. I am a survivor and I will make sure that I add my voice to those of many other survivors.

Josina Machel, activist and domestic abuse survivor

Machel said she was not yet at liberty to disclose the name of her well-known and politically connected abuser, due to legal processes.

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