OCTOBER 2025 | 31 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. Importance of Helping Immigrant Victims of Abuse Domestic abuse is abuse that occurs in a domestic relationship or household. It mostly occurs between partners but also happens from parent to child, as well as child to parent. Abuse never happens in isolation. In fact, abuse has lasting effects that echo beyond the primary victim.4 Family members, children and community members feel the impact of domestic abuse. Witnessing or being around abuse causes psychological trauma that impacts future relationships. It could cause a child to believe abuse is normal and expected and participate in abuse as they grow up. It could cause a community to be tolerant of abusive practices and not advocate for resources or protection. It could cause an individual to have low self-esteem and believe they do not deserve better and settle for a life of abuse and marginal resources. These examples and more show how abuse does not just occur to an individual, but it also creates waves in communities. The effects of abuse eventually infiltrate every community
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