Lesotho, Jan. 27 -- Mary Phenduka's life, once a picture-perfect art display, is today a point of reference, albeit a testimony of hope. She was ever the glare of friends and family looking happy, always smiling in public spaces and sharing joyful moments with her husband. But behind the smiles and celebrations, she was confronted by a hidden reality, one of a life marked by emotional and physical abuse, leaving scars invisible to the outside world.

Phenduka's descent into darkness began quietly. Emotional abuse crept in first, disguised as sharp words, constant criticism, and jealousy, then came the infidelity. Her husband had one particular girlfriend who was object of many of their fights but nothing changed. Instead, she recalls, th...