Updated 4/9/11
Domestic Violence is Terrifying. Intel Retiree, Sabiha Siddiqee, is making a difference for women in broken relationships.
To spread the word and stop the hurt! www.asknisa.org.
In 1998 Sabiha and her husband tried to help friends who were having marital difficulties. After listening to both sides for over an hour, the friend’s husband decided there would be no more discussion. He wanted a divorce. His wife began shaking and went into an anxiety attack. As she lay on the floor uncontrollably shaking and convulsing, her husband yelled, berated his wife, and accused her of “acting”. 911 was called and the woman was taken to the hospital. Because this woman had no other family in the area, she was sent home with her uncaring and abusive husband.
“My heart went out to this woman. She was so alone, so isolated, her family thousands of miles away. Without any support from family, friends, or the community, she had no choice but to stay in this broken relationship. It was then that I decided that after my retirement I would actively seek ways to help women suffering from domestic violence.
That single incident in 1998 made my determination so strong that I kept my promise to become a Domestic Violence (DV) advocate. Doing this kind of community service is a very humbling experience for me and it opened my eyes to a very serious issue faced by all communities.”
In 2002 Sabiha took the state-required mandatory training to become a Domestic Violence Advocate and currently volunteers 8-10 hours per week at NISA which means Woman in Arabic.
“A friend encouraged me to attend a meeting of a new DV organization being formed.
Though my attendance was just to educate myself about DV, I saw how great the need was for serious and committed volunteers. I ended up offering my services that same day to this group.
That was eight years ago. “As a DV advocate, Sabihadeals directly with the client needs. She also prepares the group’s quarterly financial report and performs whatever other tasks are required in an organization that is short-staffed.
“I have personally made a difference in the lives of more than 30 women. I have helped them regain their confidence, and self-respect and to stand on their own feet. Most of them still call to inform me about yet another step they took to move forward.
The Mission of NISA is to become partners against Domestic Violence.
For more information about this organization and the work they do, go to
Through outreach and education, we will hopefully one day be able to reduce, if not eliminate the problem of domestic violence.”