Hello New York!

Hi. Welcome back to our show, Hello New York. I am Nurzafira Sabrina binti Zulfauzi.

Today we are going to discuss on a very (that might be a little bit different from the topic we
used to talk about.) I assure interesting yet controversial issue on Domestic Violence on
Women. But before that, give a round of applause to our special guests for today show.

On my far left is Miss Nurul Hazwani who is a respected lawyer. For your information, she is
also volunteering in many of Pro Bono cases as well as a member of the New York state
office for the prevention of domestic violence. Thank you for coming, Miss Hazwani.

Next to me is Madam Amirah Qisthina binti Noor Rasman, a social psychologist in the
University of Utah, U.S.A. If I am not mistaken you have been working in this field for 20
years already right? Wow thats a very long experience of working! Thank you for your time
despite the business.

And finally our last guest for today is Nurshamiera Mazwanie binti Mahzan, who is the
advocate for survivors of domestic violence and interestingly, she was victim herself. How
are you Madam?

Before we proceed, let me give you a picture on what domestic violence actually means.
Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse often occurs when one person in an intimate
relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse that
includes physical violence is called domestic violence. An abuser doesnt play fair.
Abusers use fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under his or
her thumb. Your abuser may also threaten you, hurt you, or even hurt those around you.
According to a study made by National Coalition against Domestic Violence, 1 in 5 women
and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their
lifetime. This statistic shows that more women are being abused compare to men which we
will be discussing about today.
 1) So without wasting much time, Miss Hazwani, I am very sure that there is a more
specific legal definition on what domestic violence actually is. Mind sharing with us?

It is very interesting that there are some types of domestic violence that we are not aware of
such as pinching. I am very sure that almost all of us have no idea that pinching is consider as
an act of violent. Its very eye-opening.

Wow listening to the definition itself giving chill to me. We really should be extra careful in
finding the ones. Take note okay girls.

2) Now that we already know the definition of domestic violence, Miss Amirah, as a
psychologist, I am sure you have ample experiences dealing with the victims
themselves. From your experiences, can you share with us what causes domestic
violence to be happening in a relationship?

I see that there are external as well as internal factors that contributed to domestic violence
against women. I think, instead of getting affected with all these factors mentioned by Miss
Amirah, couples should work together to overcome the crisis between them.

3) With no doubt, I think many of us wanted to know how does one is abused by her
partner. I mean what did they actually do to their partner? Lucky we are today, we
have Madam Shamiera with us. Do you mind sharing with me and the audiences
about your experiences in domestic violence?

Oh wow the stages in abusing gives me goosebumps!

Actually I have a friend who is also the victim of domestic relationship. I asked her before
why they stay with her husband and she said that she loves that guy very much, and believes
he could actually change to the better one day.

She also told me that he is the only person she can depend on to raise the kids as she didnt
continue her studies. And their marriage actually werent blessed by the girls parents.

4) With all these frightening stories you have share you actually took quite a long time to
escape yourself from him. May I ask why do you stay even though he was abusing
you?
 5) Some of the women did not know where to seek for help. Sometimes they think they
cant really do anything to prevent that from happening. And some of the women
actually decided to kill themselves in order to run away from their problems. So Miss
Hazwani, is there really any legal rights or aid that these victims could turn to if they
need help in dealing with the situation?

Well there are many ways of helping them. So if any of you have friends or the victims of
domestic violence itself, please seek for help as soon as possible. It is better late than never.

6) I am pretty sure that there are long term psychological effects on the victims of
domestic violence. Can you share with us what are they, Miss Amirah?

Not just physically affected, domestic violence could also affect the victims in term of
emotional and mental which is very dangerous!

Conclusion

Ending all violence against women and girls must be a priority, not an option. Noticing and
acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship is the first step to ending it. No one
should live in fear of the person they love. If you are aware of these signs happening to you
yourself take them as a warning and talk to someone. Reach out for help. There are many
help available.

Before we end our show, we are open for Q&A session.