Within the United States, one out of every four American women will experience violence by an intimate partner sometime during her lifetime.  Domestic violence is both a national, and a worldwide crisis.  According to a 2000 UNICEF study, 20-50% of the female population of the world will become the victims of domestic violence.  It estimates that 960,000 incidents of violence against a current, or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend per year. 

When you and I see these facts, we assume it's not too severe.  On average, more than 3 women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in this country every day.  In 2000, over 1,247 women, and 440 men were killed by an intimate partner. 

The following are EXAMPLES of Domestic Violence experienced by a Spouse:

• Name-Calling or Put-Downs
• Isolation from Family or Friends
• Withholding of Money
• Threatened or Actual Physical Harm
• Sexual Assault, including:
  • Family Violence
  • Spouse Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Battering
  • Wife Beating

Since July 2007, the Mosque Foundation Community Center (MFCC) has been working with Arab American Family Services (AAFS) to initiate the first DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WALK to increase awareness about Domestic Violence.  This issue is not frequently or freely discussed in our Muslim communities, although it is an issue which affects every community. 

The walk was the first of its kind led by Muslims for domestic violence awareness. We saw a great turn out with over 100 walkers participating in the DV Walk alone, held at Lake Katherine, a fabulous nature walk.  Empowering the walkers to complete the entire three mile course within an hour and a half, were guest speakers Aisheh Said, of the Mosque Foundation, and Fr. Musa Haddad, of the Church of the Virgin Mary. 

Elhamdulillah, it was a great experience that we all benefited and learned from.  The generous donations of bagels and cream cheese, from American Bagel, and the thirst quenching fruits and water were greatly appreciated and enjoyed.  I pray to Allah (swt) to assist us in making next year's walk even better.  The proceeds of the walk will go to an organization in the Village of Bridgeview to assist victims of domestic violence.  Inshallah next year, with your support, we will double the number of participants and make a bigger impact for DOMESTIC VIOLENCE awareness and prevention.

Lena Tleib

Assistant Director of MFCC