Teresa Afonso Leimdörfer: Men's oppression of women is like an epidemic
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Teresa Afonso Leimdörfer, who survived war and abuse in Angola and Sweden, now advocates for women facing domestic violence.
- She emphasizes that male oppression of women is widespread and self-blame hinders victims from leaving abusive situations.
- Leimdörfer found personal peace and security in a loving relationship, transforming her life into what she describes as a fairy tale.
Teresa Afonso Leimdörfer, who endured hardship in Angola and later experienced abuse in Sweden, has emerged as a voice for women trapped in similar cycles of violence. She describes the male oppression of women as an "epidemic" that leaves victims feeling broken and blaming themselves.
I am worth more than that. My life today looks like a fairy tale but it's not about having a nice apartment or house in Portugal but about living in a harmonious and loving relationship. I have found my home and feel safe with a man who treats me well.
Leimdörfer's own journey involved escaping war-torn Angola, only to face mistreatment and violence in Sweden. She found herself questioning why she, a strong individual, didn't leave sooner. "Why do you get so broken down that you don't see that it's possible to move on?" she reflected. She notes that victims often internalize blame, excusing their abusers and taking responsibility for the mistreatment.
Why do you get so broken down that you don't see that it's possible to move on? Among other things, you often blame yourself: 'If I hadn't done or said that...'. You excuse and take responsibility.
Her turning point came in 2010 when she met her current husband, Peter Leimdörfer. This relationship marked a decision to "never again accept being treated like shit." For Leimdörfer, true happiness isn't about material possessions but about living in a harmonious, loving relationship. "I have found my home and feel safe with a man who treats me well," she stated.
Men's oppression of women is like an epidemic.
Despite the trauma, Leimdörfer believes her experiences have made her stronger, likening herself to a "Teflon pan" that can easily shift from anger to joy. She focuses on the positive aspects of difficult situations and has developed resilience. "If you survive physically and mentally and get out, maybe you gain qualities that make it easier to get through crises," she said, adding that the ordeal ultimately shaped her into a more grateful person.
If you survive physically and mentally and get out, maybe you gain qualities that make it easier to get through crises.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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