Dear Mimster: My mum does not care if I die but I need a way out

It all started when my mum told me to have a child first before sending me to a higher institution. I am her only child. My father is not supportive as he always gives excuses of not having money or that his father never sent him to school. He’s practically a womaniser who loves to drink and brings nothing home to my mother. My mother is the only one who take care of everything.

I was in a long distance relationship with this guy who came for my hand in marriage and I accepted. He officially introduced himself to some of my family members, bought drinks for them and sought my parent’s permission to come live with him with the plan that he will pay my dowry later and marry me properly.Everyone accepted.

When time passed and I noticed that he didn’t seem to be pursuing with the wedding plans, I returned home to my parents. Unknown to me, I was pregnant. My mother then told me to go back as my pregnancy will bring them shame to them if I am not with a man, so I did.

On returning, this guy’s attitude towards me changed.  He started beating and starving as my punishment for any little mistake. I went back home to my mum to have the baby, and after I delivered, I vowed never to return to his house. When I didn’t return to his, he went on Facebook to insult me and my parents, calling us names. Yet, my mother still wants me to return to him now or leave her house. Even though she is aware of all what’s going on and I have nowhere else to go. Going back to him means my death but my mother tells me to endure. How do I handle this?