By Prossy Namiiro
Julius Matovu 32, the suspect who appeared in viral video grabbing and beating his wife has been charged with Aggravated torture and domestic Violence by the Chief Magistrates Court in Nabweru, Police has revealed.
In the video, Julius, a business man of Kitumba Zone, Fort Portal City, is seen grabbing his wife and mother to his 3 children by the hair, dragging her around, repeatedly hitting her head to the wall and then stomping and kicking her severally, almost removing her eye.
According to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, Esther Nasaka 22, had been cohabiting with the suspect for the last 6 years, and had done the right thing of leaving her husband on the February 20, after failing to keep up with his abusive and aggressive nature.
She started staying with her mother at Kikubamba zone, in Wakiso district until when Julius her to go and pick her clothes and other belongings at Erisa zone in Kyebando.
“This is where her husband instead attacked and seriously assaulted her. The video clearly shows a common pattern among domestic abusers especially husbands, male partners and boyfriends. It shows how some people in society, have lost their sense of humanity, care and respect for others,” Enanga said.
Police identifies the incident as another stark reality that Domestic Violence exists.
“As the police, we are concerned that several incidents of domestic violence still go unreported, because of the much stigma and pressure, women face from family members and other members of the public, for them to maintain the family unit and reconcile with their abusers. Some of the victims might not be ready to leave an abuser, they share children with or rely on for financial support. Others fear the legal consequences of courts and are dissuaded from filing or pursuing their complaints further.”He added.
Police also calls upon all victims of domestic abuse that there is life on the other side of domestic or separation.
“There is proof that you can heal from the abuses in domestic settings, if its beyond repair. Tell somebody, if you are experiencing domestic violence, there are people who want to help you get out of it.
Enanga also applauded Martin Sekitoleko who recorded the video depicting the horrible incident.
“He did not stop there, but went on to alert the police about the incident which enabled us to rescue the victim and also arrest the suspect. We are also asking for help in locating the perpetrators of violence in the previous videos of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.
