Domestic
violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors
used by someone
TO
establish
power and control over another
person in
a relationship. Domestic violence sometimes
follows a
cyclical pattern in which there are periods
of
calm,
building up of tension, and then abuse.
After a period of abuse, batterers
arc often apologetic, but as the
cycle
repeats the abuse usually gets worse over
time.. If
abusers recognize that their behavior is wrong and
sincerely
want to change the way they act. they can
get
help
through batterer's intervention programs,
therapy, and spiritual counseling.
Facts:
The
statistics indicate that one in three women
in
the USA is, has been, or will be a victim of
domestic
violence. According to a study conducted in 1993 by
Sharifa
Alkhateeb, as president of the North
American
Council
for Muslim Women (N.ACMW), physical violence
occurs in about 10% of Muslim marriages in
the USA.
The rates of verbal and emotional abuse may be as high as
50% based
upon international studies and preliminary
research in the U.S.
Children:
Many people
think that domestic violence does
not
affect children. However, children who are
in
households where domestic violence is
happening have the
same
symptoms as children who are abused
themselves.
Domestic
violence can cause long-term developmental,
emotional and other problems in children.
Immigrants:
Many
immigrants fear they will lose their
legal
status or get deported if they seek help.
Calling any
of these
organizations will not result in loss of
status for
the
victim. Please call the organizations
directly to get
more
information about your particular situation
Younger Women:
Domestic Violence calls are increasing
tremendously in calls from young women and
girls seeking help with domestic violence
issues within their own homes, own cultures
and/or their own ethnicities.
Teen dating violence is
similar to adult relationship violence. The
number of incidents and the severity of the
abuse increase as the relationship
continue. Dating violence affects about one
in ten (10) teen couples. Very few tell
anyone who could help them such as a parent,
teacher, counselor or the police. It is
very important to try and save our
students/youths from this vicious cycle. We
must try to instill in them a sense of
dignity and respect towards one another and
for oneself.
Things You
Should Know
