i've only been here for 4 months and I have met various women and some teenage children who are being physically and psychologically abused. In addition, the whole family lives in fear of the abuser and the young children are damaged growing up watching physical abuse in their household. The cycle continues, silently and destroys individuals' souls. We turn to our families for love and support and security but when we become abused by the very person who is supposed to love us, we do not want to turn for help. My main concern is that abused children (and yes it is happening here) will become adults and may treat other individuals based on their experience. I happen to be a Muslim, born and raised in Canada and America and I have learnt that Islam is very loving religion, a way of life and the more one studies it in depth the more one realizes that it frees you and never preaches abuse of any kind. Yes friends, being a Counselor I have seen a lot of abuse and helped "sew up" many children's physical and mental wounds. We all have to remind ourselves that we could have been these women or children or men! We speak of these "hot-lines" which do not end abuse, the person is usually terrified and won't be able to even place a call. We need more awareness, more exposure, more advertisement and have someone available in schools, hospitals, doctors' offices and even the workplace. I do not yet know how but I will try to find a way to help any way I can, regardless of your faith or your gender or race or age. That is what makes us human. Please let me know if anyone is interested to help instead of just comment on QL about "abuse hot-lines". Enough said.