Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

A pregnant Ghanaian woman, 22-year-old Priscilla Sackey, has appealed to authorities to release her husband, Richard Adjei, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for domestic violence.

Priscilla made the emotional appeal during an interview with the Crime Check Foundation, explaining that she never intended for the situation to lead to such a lengthy jail term. According to her, she initially reported her husband to the police only to warn and deter him from further abuse, not to have him imprisoned.

Priscilla recounted that the incident occurred after her husband allegedly assaulted her during a domestic dispute. She said she reported the matter to the police after the attack. However, when officers came to their home to arrest him, he was not around.

When Richard later returned and discovered she had reported him to the police, he allegedly became angry and assaulted her again.

“On the day my husband was arrested, he assaulted me, and I went to report him to the police. When the police came to arrest him, he was not home. When he came back, he beat me again for reporting him,” she said.

READ ALSO:

• Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran Threatens to Stop Gulf Oil Shipments
• Turaki‑Led PDP Rejects Court of Appeal Ruling, Heads to Supreme Court
• US to Designate Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organisation

According to Priscilla, her aunt, who was angered by the renewed violence, reported the matter to the police again, which eventually led to Richard’s arrest and prosecution. The court later found him guilty and sentenced him to six years imprisonment for domestic assault.

Despite the conviction, Priscilla says she now regrets how events unfolded and wants her husband released. The pregnant woman explained that she currently has no family support, as both her family and her husband’s relatives have allegedly turned their backs on her.

She added that she needs her husband’s help to take care of their unborn child and support the household financially.

“At least if Richard were here, he would have worked to take care of us. Please help me get him released,” she pleaded.

Priscilla also stressed that she never expected the police report to result in a prison sentence.

Priscilla and Richard have been married for two years, and the case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in Ghana, where economic dependence and family pressures often complicate such cases.

Legal experts say once a domestic violence case is prosecuted in court, it becomes a criminal matter handled by the state, meaning the victim cannot automatically withdraw the case even if reconciliation is later sought.

Advocates say the situation highlights the need for stronger support systems for domestic violence victims, including financial assistance, counselling, and shelters.

It remains unclear whether Richard’s sentence could be reviewed, as any release would likely depend on legal processes such as an appeal, presidential pardon, or court review.

Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence