Domestic Violence is one of the greatest challenges in the general community as well as in the Muslim community which is often hidden or denied.
Every single day, vulnerable Muslims continue to suffer silently from social, emotional, financial, physical and sexual abuse by family members they trust while living in a toxic home environment.
Those who are fortunate enough to escape these abusive relationships find themselves dealing with trauma, isolation, stigmatisation, and financial hardships while barely supporting themselves.
Although the victims are often women and children, it is important to acknowledge that men too are victims of domestic violence.
Through NZF’s Healing Forward Program, we aim to support the victims of domestic violence by providing the right services and resources for their needs.
We believe supporting domestic violence victims and helping them grow from their trauma will allow them to flourish as contributing individuals of the Australia Muslim community.
Surviving DV
It all starts out so blissful
Life’s a honeymoon
You’re so besotted, never wanting it to end
It’s your happy place
This delusion
You live in denial
You live in deep pain
You’re frozen in fear, can’t escape
Trapped in a nightmare
So, you trick yourself that you can change the one you love by loving them more
You trick yourself, that it will be ok
Living between reality and delusion
Until one day it goes too far, and you understand
It was all a delusion in your own head
Reinforced by the broken promises he made
Lies to keep you entrapped in his service
So, the pain of staying becomes greater than the fear of leaving
The terror of being caught trying to leave
The fear of reprisals
The fear of being alone and unloved
But you get out
You find safety, but still afraid
The more you stand up for yourself
The stronger you become
And the weaker he becomes in your eyes
The flashbacks keep coming
The terror, the physical and emotional pain
The re-occurring nightmares
The anxiety builds over the years
For a long time, panic attacks with indistinguishable triggers
Three decades and six years of cognitive behavioural therapy later
You’re finally ok
But you wish you could erase those memories
So, what’s the definition of “surviving” D.V.?
I am alive, I have learnt a lot about myself, for the better, insha Allah.
But I can’t erase the painful memories
Only try to dull them down
It never truly goes away.
*Anonymous (permission to publish granted)
If you, or someone you know, who is or has been a victim of family and domestic violence, please submit your application and find out how we can assist you at https://www.nzf.org.au/apply or call us on 1300 663 729.
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