The David Lynch Foundation has partnered with the Brooklyn Family Justice Center (BFJC) to help young survivors of domestic abuse overcome the trauma of violence through the Transcendental Meditation technique. Research has shown the TM technique to be remarkably effective in treating the psychological and physical symptoms associated with traumatic stress, including reduced symptoms of PTSD, insomnia, flashbacks and substance abuse.
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, one out of four women will be assaulted or raped by their spouse or intimate partner during her lifetime. Emotional, physical and verbal abuse has long-ranging consequences, and many abused women continue to struggle with the after effects of abuse for years-long after they have left their abuser. Without proper support, many battered women face the impossible choice of staying with their batterer or living on the street.
Research suggests that TM reduces PTSD symptoms by 50%, insomnia by 42% and is twice as effective at reducing substance abuse as other conventional approaches. Through learning TM, survivors of domestic violence can find profound relief from the shadow of the terrible experiences they endured and regain control of their lives.
Through helping survivors of domestic violence to relieve the grip of past trauma and rebuild a sense of well-being and self-esteem, the Foundation will empower these women and children to stay out of abusive relationships, find means to support themselves and their families and begin to form healthy, positive relationships.