In 2017, Ikgopoleng Keabetswe reunited with the father of her first child whom she met when she was 16 years old. Two months into the relationship, Ikgopoleng’s partner became abusive. She tried to report the matter to the police, but was discouraged from doing so by the police officer. Advice she agreed to follow.

The violence continued for a year with her family pleading with her to leave the relationship but she believed, despite the abuse, her partner loved her.

In August 2018, Ikgopoleng was able to escape her abusive relationship when members of her church took her to a women’s shelter where she received the encouragement and support she needed to finally press charges against her partner.