Abuse – often it’s just a silent scream that nobody hears, a face hidden behind sunglasses and a lame excuse about “tripping down the stairs”. But every once in a while the topic is called into the limelight and everyone is forced to take notice.

When news broke about the beautiful Bonang Matheba obtaining a protection order against DJ Euphonik, real name Themba Nkosi, as well as opening a case of assault against him – the entire nation was shocked.

But the secretive couple are no strangers to controversy.  First, it was alleged that Bonang was cheating on Euphonik with soccer star Simphiwe Tshabalala. Next, Euphonik had impregnated another woman. Fortunately, a story this big isn’t as easy to sweep under the rug and wait for the media storm to die dowm.

This is an all too chillingly familiar story. The last time the world stood still and watched a couple’s domestic squabbles unfold; it was another one of our favourite celebrity couples – Chris Brown and Rihanna. Everyone thought they were the perfect couple – both rising stars and totally loved-up. Until one fateful night the curtain was pulled back to reveal an ugly truth.

Of course there are always two sides to every story. Euphonik has spoken out in the media since the story broke, saying that he was shocked by the allegations of assault against him, that they are not true and he will be getting legal support to clear his name.  He said, “Woman abuse is a serious issue and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”

So whether the allegations are true or not, we’ll just have to wait and see. But in the meantime – it has opened up the discussions about domestic abuse. And an unfortunate incident like this one brings this serious issue out from behind closed doors.

It helps to show victims of abuse that they are not alone. When celebrity women stand up against abuse, they are inadvertently lending support to these women – and possibly even inspiring them to do the same.  It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one in your situation – until you hear someone else’s story. Or even better, when you realise it can happen to the glamorous and glitzy stars too.

After Rihanna spoke out about her abuse, she became an ambassador against abuse – whether she signed up for it or not. So when everyone found out that she was recording music with Chris Brown, the floodgates of criticism opened up.

At the end of the day – celebrities’ reactions to serious situations like this can so easily influence their fans. They have a responsibility to make sure they don’t send a message that says, abuse is okay.

It’s not. Ever.