*Trigger warning: We discuss domestic violence in length throughout this episode. If you feel the content discussed may be triggering, please either proceed with caution or feel free to listen to any one of our previous episodes.* 

In our first episode of Season Two, we are joined by an anonymous guest who opens up about her experience with domestic violence and the impact it has had on her life to this day. We respect our guest's decision to remain anonymous due to her children not knowing the extent of their father's abuse.

Sometimes our minds are so clouded by love that we're blinded to what's really going on around us. Other times, no matter how vigilant we are, abusers can be extremely deceitful. It's important to realize that when we find ourselves in similar situations - it is never our fault. 

Our guest walks us through her engagement period and describes the red flags she didn't realize were early warning signs. She discusses her first few years of marriage when the physical abuse first began alongside the pre-existing emotional/verbal abuse, and how the mind games slowly trickled in. 

Several failed attempts of repairing the marriage, multiple pregnancies and a plethora of mental, physical and spiritual abuse, our guest spent years dealing with a nightmare she had only wished she could wake up from. 

She also opens up about the moment that will forever be etched into her memory of what finally made her decide to stand on her own two feet and leave the abusive relationship once and for all. This life-changing decision was also potentially a life-saving one.  

We hope this episode will raise awareness in regards to the stages of abusive relationships, how a victim can find his/her way out, how we can collectively prevent a loved one from facing abuse and in what ways we could be of assistance to those who are facing domestic abuse.

Important Resources!

We have listed out credible resources below to help those who are struggling in a domestic relationship to get the help that they deserve. Remember to also seek assistance from your local mosque, women shelters, and licensed mental health professionals. 

1. PEACEFUL FAMILIES PROJECT: WWW.PEACEFULFAMILIES.ORG
A national organization devoted to preventing domestic violence with a focus on Muslim families of all backgrounds, through education and interventions.

2. THE ASIAN PACIFIC INSTITUTE ON GENDER BASED VIOLENCE: WWW.API-GBV.ORG   
A resource center for sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian communities. They provide training and technical assistance with the help of advocates, community based service programs and both legal and mental health professionals.

3. PROJECT SAKINAH: WWW.PROJECTSAKINAH.ORG         
A program that assists with community efforts to grow healthy families that protect women, children and men from neglect and homes broken by violence.

4.  KHALIL CENTER: WWW.KHALILCENTER.COM         
A spiritual wellness center which applies the traditional Islamic spiritual healing methods to modern clinical psychology. Services include: religious consultations, immigration evaluations and premarital coaching. They also have a crisis hotline: 855 543 5752

5. TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER: WWW.TAHIRIH.ORG         
Their mission is to protect immigrant women and girls who refuse to be victims of abuse by elevating their voices within the community, courts and Congress. They also provide free immigration, family and civil legal services, and they help their clients rebuild their lives, safely.