Women need to get wise

THE EDITOR, Sir

I am deeply saddened by the blatant, rampant killing of our women by their children's fathers, husbands/spouses. It would seem that this murder-suicide has become a norm and is expected to occur every other week somewhere in the island. This copycat type epidemic is a scourge and has become a shameful trend in Jamaica.

Every woman in an abusive/unstable relationship is at risk and could become the next statistic; so too a woman who decides she just wants to be out of a relationship for one reason or another. Women have become virtual prisoners in their homes, forced to accept abuse, fearing a death sentence if they attempt to leave.

I am using this medium to appeal to women who find themselves having difficulty with their man; be it husband, baby father, lover, etc. to become wiser in leaving them. Ladies, the moment you find the courage to end the relationship, just pack your things, take the children and leave the home you share together. Yes, leave, run for your life and the lives of your children.

Do not tell the man you are leaving and do not ask him to leave. The moment you announce that you want out of the relationship, all hell seems to break loose in the man's head. If they walk away from the relationship, it's no problem, but the moment the woman decides to go; evil seems to take over the man's heart. Their ego is bruised, and their pride won't allow them to simply walk away.

Ladies, whenever they ask to see the children, arrange for the children to go to a family member or friend's house where the man can have access to them. Preferably a grandparent where that is available. Ladies, avoid all contact with him. Do not walk alone. Never allow yourself to be talked into seeing him alone. Always be alert and very vigilant in your surroundings.

Encourage him, or ask a near relative of his to encourage him, to seek counseling. Ladies, save yourselves!

Maria Tomlin