New Women New Yorkers

4 takeaways from the session Intimate Partner Violence in the Community: What Can I Do?

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On November 4, New Women New Yorkers (NWNY) and the Mayor’ Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) partnered to organize the workshop Intimate Partner Violence in the Community: What Can I Do?. The session was led by Training Programs and Initiatives Advisor of the ENDGBV Ermira Uldedaj, a fellow immigrant woman with 13 years of experience working with survivors of gender-based violence. A group of engaged community members and NWNY staff gathered to learn how we can respond to and rise up against domestic violence as a community. 

Ermira kicked off the session asking everyone to introduce themselves and name something that they prioritize in their relationships. After the collective sharing, the group discussed definitions around Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and its impacts on the community, the family, and the survivor’s physical, spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing. The workshop also covered the best practices to tackle domestic violence. Finally, the group became acquainted with the resources available for survivors of domestic violence.

Keep reading to find out the main takeaways of the session:

  • A far-reaching issue, IPV encompasses an array of abusive behaviors one partner uses to control and exert power over the other in a romantic relationship. It may involve physical aggression, but it often also takes other forms of violence, including emotional abuse, like isolation; financial hardship, for example restricting access to assets and/or employment; and intimidation threats.
  • Contrary to popular belief, the causes of violence have nothing to do with issues of anger management, mental health, and abuse of drugs and alcohol. The abusive behavior is a choice and stems from the intersection of one’s personal belief systems, a sense of entitlement, and patriarchal gender roles, as well as the conviction that violence is a valid tool.
  • To support a person experiencing domestic violence, steer clear of unfounded and unsolicited advice. For example, don’t persuade the victim to break up or use statements like, “Why do you let them treat you like that?”, “Why do you stay with them?,” and “I can only help you if you leave.” Be prepared to listen without judgment, respecting confidentiality and validating the feelings of the victim, and encourage them to search for help (see resources below). 

RESOURCES
NYC Well
Call: 1-888-NYC-WELL
Text: “WELL” to 65173
Chat online: NYC.gov/nycwell

NYC’s 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline 
1-800-621-HOPE (4673) 
1-866-604-5350(TTY)
Or call 311

New York State Office for the Prevention of DV Text Line: 
1-844-997-2121

NYC Family Justice Centers (FJCs)
Brooklyn: 718-250-5113
Bronx: 718-508-1220
Manhattan: 212-602-2800
Queens:718-575-4545
Staten Island: 718-697-4300

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