Actress Etinosa Idemudia Warns Women Against Ignoring Red Flags in Abusive Relationships

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Etinosa Idemudia has sent out a strong caution to women involved with abusive men, urging them to recognize red flags early in relationships.

Taking to her Instagram story, Etinosa stressed that violence in dating should never be excused or overlooked. According to her, a man who shows aggression by shoving, pushing, or hitting his partner during courtship is very likely to escalate to full-blown abuse in marriage.

She wrote:

“I don’t know who needs to hear this but if he’s putting hands on you while dating, shoving you, hitting your hand, pushing your head as ordinary boyfriend… Be rest assured it will graduate to full blown beatings when you get married. Even before the marriage sef. He will beat you.”

Etinosa further clarified that while some women may choose to endure such behavior, her message was directed at those who refuse to normalize violence in relationships.

“So this message is for the women that mind. Happy New Week,” she concluded.

Opinion: Why Etinosa’s Message Matters

Etinosa’s words are more than just a celebrity rant—they echo a bitter truth many women have learned the hard way. Abuse often doesn’t start with punches; it begins with subtle signs—shoves, insults, controlling behavior—that gradually grow into dangerous patterns if ignored.

Her message is a timely reminder that love should never come at the cost of dignity or safety. Too often, victims excuse abusive behaviors with the hope that marriage will change their partners. Sadly, marriage rarely changes abusers—it often emboldens them.

By speaking out, Etinosa challenges the culture of silence that allows abuse to thrive. In a society where “endurance” in marriage is sometimes glorified, her words urge women to draw boundaries and walk away when love turns violent.

And perhaps the most important takeaway? Red flags in dating are warning signs, not challenges to overcome. As Etinosa put it bluntly—if he hits you now, he will hit you later.