Actress Zahnita Wilson claims she has suffered from domestic violence at the hands of her husband throughout their 20-year marriage.
In an interview with mStar, The Star’s Malay-language news portal, Zahnita said she did everything in her power to save her marriage, but it was all in vain.
The 39-year-old also revealed that she has contemplated divorce, though her husband would often try to sway her with empty promises.
“I’ve been trying to protect our marriage. I’ve also asked for a divorce, and he would promise me the world.
“Not long after, he would repeat his actions and rough me up. I’ve held on for 20 years, it’s enough,” said the former model, whose full name is Zahnita Dorothy Hussein Wilson.
On Monday (Dec 2), Zahnita shocked fans when she revealed a photo of her bruised face and black eye on Instagram.
At the time, the Kuliah Cinta star said that she refused to remain silent and that she had to reveal the matter to the public.
“I didn’t want to do this, but I am forced to. This is why I left my old house and why I always wear sunglasses,” she wrote.
During mStar's interview, Zahnita said she decided to speak out in order to encourage other women who are being mistreated by their husbands to come forward and stand up against domestic violence.
She also alleged that the injuries displayed in her Instagram post were the result of an argument that ensued after she confronted her husband about having an affair.
Zahnita, who married in 2005, previously filed for divorce in 2013.
According to Sinar Harian, Zahnita’s husband has been remanded for three days. Magistrate Tengku Eliana Tuan Kamaruzaman issued the remand order at the Kuantan Court Complex today (Dec 3).
The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code.
