One in four women are victims of domestic violence. That is a staggering statistic – 25 percent of ALL women say they are somehow abused by their spouse (or significant other). Personally, I feel like the number is likely more significant as the intangible versions of domestic abuse tend not to be reported.

The Mommying While Muslim Podcast feels so strongly about this topic, and we dedicate an entire month EVERY year to bringing awareness and providing a platform for those who survived the imaginable ordeal. We, of course, do not consider ourselves experts, but through osmosis, we’ve managed to glean some very important information that we feel will help our fellow sisters be better advocates for themselves and others:

1. Educate yourselves – There are multiple types of domestic abuse that do not leave an external physical mark:

2. Understanding – Understand that domestic violence (behind closed doors) is not a private matter. Being proactive as a community can be the difference between life and death for some sisters. If your spidey sense is going off about someone, gently approach the sister and offer to lend a listening ear. Many times that simple act of kindness can be enough of a push for the sister to seek further help from the community.

3. Make du’a: Sometimes it may feel that you can’t physically do anything to help your fellow sister, however, prayer can go a long way when we feel otherwise hopeless.

1. For DV survivors who are ready to take action to move away from their partner, make sure you have the following number plugged into your phone: National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799.SAFE (7233)

2. Remember there is NOTHING for you to be ashamed of, so find that friend or confidant and let them know what is happening and allow them to be your helpline on the outside in case something goes wrong.

3. Try to record and keep track of all incidents between you and the abuser as soon as you are safely able to do so. This will not only help jog your memory but help serve as a timeline of events if and when legal action needs to be taken.

4. If you can, keep a bag ready with essential documents, change of clothing, and money for yourself and your children in case you need to make a quick exit.

5. Know your local resources and if you can start meeting with them to discuss a safety and exit plan. The counselors on site are trained in providing that information and know how to work the local system to get you removed safely. So please consider reaching out when you feel that you are able.

We all know that as a community, we can do more to help our fellow sisters who are in this horrendous situation. But I hope that this information gives you a stronger understanding of what we can do to help even one person navigate domestic violence.

Until next time,

Zaiba

Zaiba Hasan is part of the dynamic duo behind the award-winning podcast, Mommying While Muslim. She is the founder of and a spiritual parent coach at Emerge Consulting Solutions, an interfaith mediator and sports mama extraordinaire. Look for her on the baseball fields and basketball courts in the DMV (Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) area cheering from the sidelines.