The recent death of an American Muslim in Boonton, New Jersey, has left many shocked and wondering how to help victims of domestic violence. The woman was a stay-at-home mother of two. She was 27-years-old when she was shot and killed by an individual who her husband had conspired with.

When the incident occurred, the husband, 26, said that the couple was approached by multiple assailants as they were walking in a neighborhood. They had just finished eating a meal in celebration of Ramadan when his wife was shot and killed in front of him and his young child. They allegedly injured the husband as well. Later in the week, the man’s past came back to haunt him as details emerged about the domestic abuse he was suspected of committing against his now-deceased wife. He eventually admitted to planning her tragic murder.

The devastating death of this 27-year-old mother has left some worried about the situations of other domestic violence victims. According to an executive director of a domestic violence nonprofit organization, leaving an abusive relationship is not easy. She said it often takes about 10 attempts for a woman to leave a relationship in which she is being abused. Many find themselves caught an abusive relationship and think there is no way out or that their spouse will change one day.

The effects of domestic violence, such as its ability to tear down the self-esteem of a victim, can cause these thoughts. Other victims may think they have no choice but to stay with an abusive partner or spouse because of financial dependency or because their family does not believe their claims of abuse. Those who feel that their safety or the safety of their children is being threatened by a spouse should contact the police to determine how to get help.

Source: NJ.com, “Boonton shooting raises questions about abusive relationships,” Engy Abdelkader, Aug. 28, 2011