I wanted to share my story because some woman might read it and think, "If she had the courage to tell her story, why wouldn't I?" I got married in church because I believed I had found a good man for life. I always liked being independent and having my own money, so I worked, helped with household chores, took care of my child, and tried my best. But while I was busy working, my husband was cheating on me with several women.

Whenever I discovered it and asked why, he always blamed me, saying I was ugly, thin, that my legs were full of varicose veins. He criticized my hair, demeaned me. There were also physical assaults, but it was the psychological violence that hurt the most. It was the words, because they stay with you for the rest of your life. There were many humiliations. There were times when I was eating, and he would throw the plate on the floor, breaking things. I felt very frustrated with the relationship.

I spent years looking at myself in the mirror, feeling hideous and sad. After these humiliations, he would show up with gifts, apologize, and say that the violence had only happened in moments of anger. That made me think I was to blame for being humiliated.

I used to think that marriage was meant to last until death, but the abuse became increasingly serious, and I realized I couldn't continue like that. I decided to end that relationship. I preferred to be alone than to have a partner like that. I'm from Paraty - RJ, and I know that many other women in the city go through what I went through and keep it hidden. They don't want to expose the violence they suffer to maintain appearances. But that's wrong.

Everything I overcame and achieved is also thanks to my mother. I want to talk about her; she was my role model as a woman. She stood up for her rights. My mother didn't even need a lawyer; she defended herself in everything. She was the best mother I could've had.

Today, I have become a better person. I work and support myself. I buy my own clothes and take care of my children and grandchildren. I have even been part of a book that talks about the black women of Paraty. I can say that I am happy.

*This was written based on the story of Concelita dos Santos Silva de Jesus.