Breaking the SILENCE !

1. Breaking the SILENCE !

2. PROMOTING… • SAFETY • FAMILY • LOVE • PEACE

3. what is domestic violence? domestic violence is a PATTERN OF COERCIVE BEHAVIOR that is used by a person against family or household members or dating partners to gain POWER OR CONTROL over the other party in a relationship.

4. what is domestic violence? This behavior may be include any of the following:  • Physical violence • Sexual abuse • Emotional and Psychological Intimidation • Verbal abuse and Threats • Stalking • Isolation from friends and family • Economic control • Destruction of personal property • Animal cruelty 

5. who can be a VICTIM? • EVERYONE & ANYONE…

6. what are the forms of DV? • PHYSCIAL abuse • EMOTIONAL (mental) abuse • SEXUAL abuse • ECONOMIC (financial)

7. variety of tactics abusers use

8. variety of tactics abusers use • Dominance • Humiliation • Isolation • Threats • Intimidation • Denial • Blame

9. what is the cycle of abuse? Tension Building phase Violent Episode “Honeymoon” phase

10. what are the warning signs? • Injuries and excuses • Absences from Work or School • Low Self – Esteem • Personality Changes • Fear of Conflict • Not knowing what one wants or how one feels • Self blame

11. Cultural Barriers in Abuse • Immigration issues -Failing to file papers to legalize her immigration status -Threatening to withdraw papers filed -Threatening to take her children away from U.S • Family violence, not just partner violence -Mother- In- Law, Father-in-law, Sister-in-law, Brother-in-law • Cultural stigma of divorce -Societal isolation -Character in Question -Hampering the selfesteem

12. Cultural Barriers in Abuse • Family honor -Prevents women from leaving - “duty” to keep the family and marriage intact, despite abuse -Man has the right to take the decision and control -Man`s family always has more “say” • Cultural differences -Dowry system -Gender inequality

13. what can “I” do to be safe? • Call the police • Get support from a Domestic Violence Agency or Emergency Shelter • Get support from friends and family • Get medical help • Make a Safety Plan – see www.kiraninc.org for more information on how to make a safety plan

14. Resources… • Interact (Wake County) 24hr. Hotline 919-828-7744 • Kiran Crisis Counseling 24hr Hotline 1-877-NCKIRAN • Legal Aid of North Carolina

15. Current Work Done Nationally • Karamah…Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights (DC) • Turning Point …For women and Families (NY) • Shelter in Charlotte for Muslim women

16. KIRAN • …is a multicultural, non-religious, community-based South Asian organization. • offers HOPE to South Asians in North Carolina who are victims of Domestic Violence • promotes SELF-RELIANCE & EMPOWERMENT of South Asian women and men who are in crisis through outreach, peer support and referrals in a confidential manner • serves people whose origin or background is from the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

17. KIRAN SERVICES • Provide culturally specific Crisis Counseling over hotline in different languages 1-877-NC KIRAN • Emotional support to our clients • Information in a culture- and context-sensitive manner • Support group which deals with specific issues to South Asian • Language Assistance and Translation • Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing

18. Lets talk… Openly, confidentially, with trust & NO JUDGEMENT