Healthy Families Initiative

October: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2011-10-04T23:54:00.000-04:00

The Rhode Island Council of Muslim Advancement (RICMA) and Healthy Families Initiative (HFI) are honored to sponsor the following programs in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

1- Understanding Domestic Violence:
A full-day training for Imams and Chaplains (brothers only) facilitated by nationally renowned Imam Mohamed Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and Salma Abugideiri LPC, Co-Director of the Peaceful Families Project (PFP).

The training, made possible by a grant from the US Department of Justice, is aimed at giving Imams and Chaplains an opportunity to discuss, in a private and confidential setting, effective strategies to respond to domestic violence situations within the Muslim community, and learn best practices to foster prevention.

Healthy Families Initiative cordially invites you to participate in this one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain additional knowledge on the dynamics of domestic violence within the Muslim community and the impact it has on Muslim families, and to learn effective tools for dealing with this challenging phenomenon.

Date: Sunday, October 23 2011
Presenters: Imam Mohamed Magid & Salma Abugideiri LPC
Location: Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, 821 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Lunch will be provided

Register: http://hfi-imamstraining.eventbrite.com/

2 - Community Dinner & Lecture

Topic: Model of a healthy family: Improving our relationships
Guest Speaker: Imam Mohamed Magid, President of ISNA
Date: Saturday October 22, 2011
Location: Masjid Al-Kareem (Islamic Center of Rhode Island), 39 Haskins Street, Providence, RI 02903
Time: Dinner @ 6:30 pm, Lecture @ 8:00 pm
This is a free event. Babysitting will be provided.

3 - Advocates Training:

Half-day training on how advocates can best assist Muslims experiencing domestic abuse.

Topic: Best Practices within Muslim Communities

Presenter: Salma Abugideiri LPC, Co-Director of Peaceful Families Project

Date: Monday October 24, 2011

Location: Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, 821 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889

Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Lunch will be provided
Fee: $20 – register through at http://www.ricadv.org/
This event is co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) and Healthy Families Initiative (HFI).

Per Diem Domestic Violence Case Manager Needed!

2011-09-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Domestic Violence Case Manager provides one-to-one support and services to Muslim victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault through assessment, needs identification/clarification, information and abuse/assault education, and assisting the client in establishing goals; provides spiritually and ethnically sensitive advocacy to the Muslim client; if linguistic barriers exist garners the support of an appropriate interpreter; accompanies client to court and Muslim community meetings as appropriate; serves on the Healthy Families Initiative Assessment Team; collaborates with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence in mutual advocacy efforts; may facilitate and assist with victim support groups.

QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Education, Human Services or related field with 1 year of successful experience in equivocal position, OR 2-year degree and 3 years successful experience in equivocal position, OR 5 years of successful experience in equivocal position. Will consider other combinations of education/experience if relevant to position.

· Knowledge of Islamic practices, teachings and etiquette required.

· Experience working with Muslim clients preferred.

· Proficiency in Arabic and/or Urdu verbal communications preferred.

· Working knowledge and sensitivity to issues surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault required.

· Knowledge and understanding of cultural, social and religious factors inherent in providing services to Muslim clients from diverse populations preferred.

· Knowledge of community resources and skilled in resource utilization preferred.

· Ability to work independently.

· Must maintain own professional liability insurance.

· Must possess current and valid drivers' license.

· Must have access to an insured automobile to be used during the course of employment.

· Criminal and Motor Vehicle background checks will be conducted.

Please email resume and cover letter to rihealthyfamilies@gmail.com

All questions regarding the job posting will be answered during the interview process should we choose to contact you. Please do not email or call us with your questions or concerns. Thank you.

HFI proud recepient of 3-year federal grant through US Department of Justice

2011-09-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

Greetings of Peace Dear Friends and Supporters,

The Healthy Families Initiative (HFI) is honored to announce it has been awarded a 3-year grant from the United States Department of Justice, STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant program. HFI was chosen unanimously as one of two recipients of this generous grant amongst all other applicant organizations. All praises are due to God!

The grant is available immediately throughout 2013, and will support the continued work and mission of HFI within the Rhode Island Muslim community, including mutually beneficial collaboration with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV).

May God reward all the volunteers who assisted in the grant application process, especially sister Kathleen Taylor, and may He guide HFI in using this substantial grant for the betterment of our community and the society at large.

“Seeking Knowledge and Justice” - A Success!

2010-04-28T22:48:00.000-04:00

In the winter of 2009, a brainstorming session occurred between R. David Coolidge, Associate Muslim Chaplain at Brown University and Healthy Families Initiative member, Kathleen Taylor, founder of Healthy Families Initiatives, Katherine Wilson, and Jamilah White, both Healthy Families Initiatives members. This meeting facilitated a laws based seminar.

On April 10th, 2010, The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV), Healthy Families Initiatives, and The Office of Chaplains and Religious Life at Brown University held the seminar, “Seeking Knowledge and Justice”.

Lucy Rios, Director of Prevention and Anayra Garcia, Office Manager at RICADV, conducted the seminar focusing on domestic violence laws in the state of Rhode Island. Not only did they thoroughly address the crimes associated with domestic violence, they also provided valuable information regarding the court system, outreach, and resources. Attendees were able to ask questions, clarify any concerns or misconceptions, as well as to understand the roles each person can play in ending domestic violence. Further, all attendees were given a booklet with statutes, bills, Rhode Island statistics, resources, and other information included in the seminar.

Attendees discussed how to apply new ideas and resources to solidify their roles in the community. Further, all three organizations expressed their excitement in the partnership as well as the possibilites for the future.

HFI joins hands with Brown University again!

2010-03-16T22:21:00.014-04:00

In the Name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Giver of Mercy
Seeking Knowledge and Justice
A Seminar for Muslims on Rhode Island Domestic Violence Laws

When? - Saturday, April 10th, 1:30pm-5pm [there will be a break with refreshments]

Where? - Brown University, Smith-Buonanno G01

Who? - Any Muslim in Rhode Island

Why? - The Qur’an tells us to command the good and forbid the wrong (al-’amr bi’l-ma’ruf wa nahy ‘an al-munkar), and our ‘ulama (scholars) tell us that part of Islamic law (shari’a) is to obey the laws of the land in which we live. Therefore, it is important that we understand the laws relating to domestic violence in Rhode Island, both so that we can more effectively command the good, as well as be in greater obedience to our sacred teachings.

How? - This seminar is being sponsored by the Healthy Families Initiative (a project of RICMA), the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life (Brown University), and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV). The seminar will be taught by Lucy Rios, the Director of Prevention at RICADV.

On facebook at: 
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=358015798165&index=1

 If you have any questions, please email: rihealthyfamilies@gmail.com

RICADV March 2010 Training Opportunities

2010-03-15T12:55:00.002-04:00

The Prophet said, "He who sets foot on a path in the quest of knowledge, Allaah will facilitate for him the path to Paradise.” [Ibn Maajah]

Domestic Violence 101
March 12, 2010
10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Lunch provided)
Cost: $20.00
What is Domestic Violence? How does it affect men and women and children in heterosexual and same sex relationships? How does it impact children who witness domestic violence? Learn about the power and control in relationships, the cycle of violence, barriers to leaving and available community resources. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice responding to victims and de-bunk myths about the causes of domestic violence.

Protective Orders: Justice or Just a Piece of Paper
March 23, 2010
2:00 -4:00 pm
Cost: $ 15.00

Protective orders are used to help protect individuals, mostly women, from partner violence.
But do we know the actual effectiveness of protective orders for the majority of women who seek them?
Walk through a set of three intensive studies that answer most of the concerns of victims, victim advocates and other professionals in the justice system. Finally, the most comprehensive examination of protective orders assessed using victim self reports, court data, and key informants from courts, law enforcement and advocacy.

To register, please visit: http://www.ricadv.org/trainings.html

SISTERS' LUNCH & LEARN

2010-02-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

An opportunity for sisters to learn about the Islamic perspective on domestic abuse.

Join us for an early afternoon with a light lunch & a showing of the DVD:

Garments for One Another

“…they are your garments and you are their garments…”Qur’an 2:187

A Peaceful Families Project & FaithTrust Institute Production

Date: Sat., Feb. 13, 2010

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Place: Masjid Al-Islam

40 Sayles Hill Road, North Smithfield, RI 02896

Let's Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence!

2010-01-18T21:42:00.000-05:00

A video advocacy and education campaign to help end domestic violence by the Peaceful Families Project:

http://stand.peacefulfamilies.org/

Join the movement!

I Am a Strong Woman

2010-01-13T22:53:00.000-05:00

I dedicate this to all those who are mothers, sisters, daughters, aunties, nieces, cousins, friends, neighbors, coworkers … survivors of domestic violence.

I am a strong woman, not because of muscles, but because I said “no more”.
I am strong because I survived.
I am strong because I dialed 911.
I am strong because I left a physically, verbally and emotionally abusive relationship.
I am strong because I would not, and will not; allow his words and actions to harm me anymore.
I am strong because I am no longer a victim of domestic violence.

I am strong because I took my power back.

I am strong because I deserve to be treated with respect, honor, and dignity.
I am strong because I am worthy of a better life.
I am strong because I cared enough about myself and my daughter to leave.
I am strong because my daughter can now grow up in an abusive-free home.
I am strong because I have friends and family who love and support me.
I am strong because I am taking the steps to live a healthier life.
I am strong, because I refuse to be silent - my story may help others to be strong.
I am strong woman because when I finally asked Allah for help - He loved, comforted, and guided me to safety.

Become a strong woman - for your children … but, most importantly, for yourself!

May Allah grant you the wisdom, courage and faith to move away from negativity and oppression and towards a more positive, peaceful and healthy life!! You deserve it!!

©2009 Kathleen A. Taylor

Global Wear Purple Hijab Day - Feb 13 - 16, 2010

2010-01-05T20:13:00.004-05:00

Sr. Asiya Hassan (co-founder of Bridges TV) was murdered on February 13,2009 allegedly by her husband Muzzamil Hassan. The couple founded Bridges TV together. He spoke very highly of her in public however deep inside there was something brewing. Only Allah knows for sure. There had been reports of domestic disputes,etc.

In her memory and of the other victims of domestic abuse (two are men) that have lead to murder wear a purple/lavender hijab, kufi, cap or tie on that day. Lavender/Purple is the official color or domestic violence awareness advocacy.

Please request that in your community domestic abuse education to include sexual assault awareness become a priority. This is such a simple and easy thing to do. Very effortless. However acting in unity will send a strong message for progress in our communities.

Muslims Say "No More"

2009-11-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

The Healthy Families Initiative, its challenges and successes are featured in Al-Jumuah Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 12.

Brown University Welcomes the Healthy Families Initiative!

2009-10-21T12:01:00.002-04:00

Brown University’s Muslim Student Association, in conjunction with the Coalition Against Relationship Abuse (CARA) and Brown’s Physicians for Human Rights, sponsored a panel discussion on Islam & Domestic Violence on Monday October 19, 2009. The panel, entitled: “Looking at Contemporary Debates and the Influence of Faith in Fighting Domestic Violence”, featured a panel of prominent and emerging leaders and was skillfully moderated by Reverend Janet Cooper Nelson, Brown University Chaplain.

The event opened with a brief showing of “Garments for One Another”, a DVD developed by the Peaceful Families Project and FaithTrust Institute, on the Islamic perspective of domestic violence.

Afterwards, Reverend Cooper Nelson introduced the first panel member, Sister Ayesha Chaudry, Assistant Professor of Religion at Colgate University. With superb scholarship and insightful analysis, Ms. Chaudry shed light on how Muslims take either a traditional, idealistic, or reformist approach when reconciling domestic violence and the verse from the Qur’an often misused to support it. She inspired listeners to question our own relationship with the verse and ponder on how the relationship between man and woman is viewed in the greater cosmological sphere.

Recently appointed Associate Muslim Chaplain at Brown, Brother R. David Coolidge followed suit by reciting the verse from the Qur’an where Allah describes the relationship between man and woman as one of protection -“auliyah”. In his powerful speech, Mr. Coolidge emphasized the religious duty we have to stand in affirmation and solidarity with the teachings of justice that abound in Islam, and collaborate with those advocating in this cause and others for the greater good of society & humanity.

Brother Abbas Jaffer, who is currently pursuing a degree on Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School and is Associate editor of the popular on-line magazine AltMuslimah, offered a valuable perspective on the nuts and bolts of organizations dealing with domestic violence in the Muslim community. Eloquently, he expounded on the important role Muslim men are playing as supporters of these organizations and the emerging contributions that they are making through journalism. He expressed the need to focus on prevention of domestic violence by working with young Muslim men and training of religious and community leaders, while increasing academic research to support this cause.

Lastly, founder and co-chair of the Healthy Families Initiative (HFI), sister Kathleen Taylor shared with the audience the acceptance and challenges faced by the HFI. Inadequate training of religious leaders, lack of accountability and social repercussions for offenders, and failure to address and meet the needs of victims, are to date the greatest obstacles that need to be overcome in our community. By strategically working with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV), the HFI aims to further raise awareness and educate the Muslim community on domestic violence, and offer Muslims experiencing it the resources and services needed to effectively and successfully overcome abuse.

HFI Establishes its Presence in the Region at the RICADV Annual Conference

2009-10-09T13:07:00.001-04:00

On October 07, 2009, the Healthy Families Initiative made its first regional appearance by participating in the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 30th year anniversary, Annual Conference held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI. The conference, entitled “Heart to Heart: a collaborative approach to ending domestic violence”, consisted of a main session with keynote speaker Dr. Ellen Pence, and workshops focused on specialized tracks: business sense, faith, custody and visitation, prevention, and substance abuse.

Alongside Jewish Rabbi and founder of The Jewish Institute Supporting an Abuse Free Environment (Jsafe), Mark Dratch, and Associate Professor of Yale Divinity School Kristen J. Leslie, the Healthy Families Initiative Founder and Co-Chair, Kathleen Taylor participated in the faith-track afternoon panel discussion: “Strengthening the Work in Faith Communities”.

During the discussion, panelists addressed successful strategies for raising domestic violence awareness in faith-based communities and engaging religious leaders in this worthwhile cause. Professor Leslie emphasized the importance of educating the community by reaching out and empowering individuals to effect change. Rabbi Dratch supported the use of literature, blogs, and sponsorship of community events as a means to engage the community. The HFI shared the successes it has encountered by using email to disseminate information, and sponsoring feasts at the local masajid during the holy month of Ramadan to promote its cause.

In addition, panelists were asked to address the issue of forgiveness. Although all faiths encourage forgiveness, panelists agreed that the concept is often misinterpreted, and the separation between forgiveness from God versus forgiveness from the victim is not always clearly demarcated. In Islam, forgiveness and repentance are symbiotic. Sister Kathleen Taylor shared with the panel and audience the Islamic perspective on forgiveness and the conditions of repentance, whereas Rabbi Dratch explained how contrition and accountability go hand in hand.

The conference was a great opportunity for the HFI to make its presence known to advocates, social workers, policy makers, and other professionals working with domestic violence victims and batterers. By participating in the panel discussion and displaying a resource table with information on the Islamic perspective on domestic violence, the HFI effectively got the message across to the RI community that Muslims are on board in eradicating this social epidemic.

Trusting Divine Guidance

2009-09-30T10:15:00.001-04:00

Kathleen A. Taylor is the founder and co-chair of Healthy Families Initiative, a newly formed grassroots movement within the Rhode Island Muslim community to offer intervention and prevention services to Muslims who may be experiencing domestic violence within their homes.

Although in it’s infancy, the initiative has been gaining tremendous momentum as a resource hub for services available to those experiencing domestic violence in the Muslim community.

“I knew creating such an initiative would not be easy: it would mean forging a new path through a typically patriarchal society, and speaking about a subject that many within the community considered taboo - the relationship between a husband and wife. My efforts would either be accepted or rejected, and I ran the risk of being shunned from the community. But these were risks I was willing to take,” she says.

For the full article, please visit:

http://www.sheshines.org/content/view/543/487/

HFI in the news!

2009-09-26T01:00:00.010-04:00

14 women to be honored for improving others' lives

Providence Journal

LINCOLN — Fourteen local women will be honored at an awards ceremony on Wednesday for their efforts to improve the lives of women, girls and people of color. The YWCA Northern Rhode Island is hosting the 5th annual Tools of the Trade Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kirkbrae Country Club and will present Women of Achievement Awards to educators, coaches, legislators, business leaders, grassroots organizers, lawyers and advocates for their efforts to promote women’s rights, economic well-being and safety.
The 14 honorees are:
•Clarice L. Thompson, music educator and composer; artist-in-residence at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School.
•Shanna Wells, director of the Rhode Island Commission on Women.
•Margaret “Digit” Murphy, Brown University women’s hockey head coach
•State Rep. Donna M. Walsh, D-Charlestown.
•Lisa Bergeron, motivational speaker and president of Leading Women SENE.
•Yvonne Freeman, medical management team leader, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.
•Paige Clausius-Parks, advisor and teacher at the Met Center.
•Kathleen A. Taylor, co-chairwoman for Healthy Families Initiative at the Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement.
•Nancy Rafi, executive director of the Rhode Island Crisis Assistance Center.
•Ana Giron, director of victim services for the Department of Attorney General.
•Tracy C. Baran, counselor-at-law at Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP; board member for the R.I. Women’s Bar Association.
•Mary-Kim Arnold, executive director of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities.
•Valerie Tutson, executive director of the Rhode Island Black Storytellers.
•Karen Feldman, co-director of Young Voices; contributes to YWCA Northern Rhode Island’s Parenting in Progress program.

The awards luncheon costs $50. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.womenofachievementri.org, or call Lisa Piscatelli at (401) 769-7450.

HFI Founder, Kathleen Taylor, receives Northern RI YWCA Women of Achievement Award 2009

2009-09-04T20:27:00.004-04:00

RICMA and the Healthy Families Initiative are honored to announce that our sister Kathleen Taylor has been selected for the YWCA Women of Achievement Award 2009, in recognition of her efforts and accomplishments in supporting anti-violence programs with the establishment of the Healthy Families Initiative.

The award ceremony will take place on Wed. September 30th, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, at the 5th Annual Tools of the Trade Luncheon, at Kirkbrae Country Club. Please join us in attending the ceremony to celebrate this communal success.

To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time a Muslimah has been chosen to receive this distinguished award. May Allah continue to bless her efforts, and make this achievement an opportunity to spread the beauty of Islam, dismantle negative stereotypes, and press on in the pursuit of supporting healthy families in RI.

Rhode Island Muslims Tackle Domestic Violence through Education

2009-08-09T17:45:00.002-04:00

The Healthy Families Initiative (HFI), a family well-being program and healthy marital relationships, under the Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement (RICMA), has been swiftly breaking ground in the Muslim community by enlisting the support of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV), and drawing on existing Islamic resources available.

Kathleen Taylor, a domestic violence survivor and co-chair of the initiative, recently met with Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of RICADV, to reach out and establish a working relationship with the coalition. Identifying the challenges faith-based communities face when dealing with domestic violence in their communities, and gathering information on the programs and resources available to victims and abusers by the agencies of the Coalition was only the beginning to this alliance.

To demystify some of the stigma surrounding domestic violence in the Muslim community, the Healthy Families Initiative is presenting a three-part educational series entitled: “Garments for One Another”, which includes the showing of the DVD by the same title. The DVD was produced in collaboration with the Faith Trust Institute by the Peaceful Families Project, a national organization that promotes awareness for Muslim leaders and communities on the Islamic perspective on domestic violence. It deals with the basics of domestic violence and the religious backdrop on the forbiddance of abuse. In the DVD, prominent scholars such as Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, and a myriad of professionals in the field such as Salma Abuguidieri, clearly explain the ins and outs of how and why abuse takes place in some Muslim homes.

On Saturday, August 8, 2009, a diverse crowd of Muslims from the Rhode Island community attended the first part of the “Garments for One Another” educational series at the Islamic Center of Rhode Island (ICRI) in Providence. A panel Q&A session and discussion immediately followed, led by Lucy Rios, Director of Prevention, RICADV; Sister Mariam Mateen, Shelter Manager of the Elizabeth Buffun Chace House; Brother Abdul-latif Sackor, Assistant Imam of ICRI and Muslim Chaplain with the MA Department of Corrections; and Jamilah White, Parole Officer with the RI Department of Corrections.

Lucy Rios opened the discussion by giving a brief introduction about the RICADV, the member agencies, and the unique services each provides. She explained that RI faith-based communities face similar challenges when dealing with Domestic Violence, and stressed the importance of prevention as a means to help the cause.

Sister Mariam Mateen answered the question on what happens when someone calls the 800-number for help. She explained that a screening is conducted during calls, to learn the demographics of the victim, and assess the level of safety and nature of the violence. She expounded on the nature of services available to victims and their children, which include support groups, counseling, services for the elderly, and children programs. In addition, Sister Mateen also shed some light on what accommodations shelters provide for Muslims in their facilities. Surprisingly, shelters are very accepting of religious observances by Muslims, and have in the past accommodated victims’ needs for a place to pray and halal foods, amongst other practices.

Sister Jamilah White addressed questions dealing with offenders, restraining and no-contact orders, and the legal system. She expressed her concern for victims when requests to drop no-contact orders are presented to her. As a parole officer, her responsibility is to ensure paroled batterers successfully complete intervention programs to eliminate the likelihood of repeated offences.

Assistant Imam Abdul-latif Sackor focused on questions dealing with the Islamic perspective. When asked what happens when someone approaches Muslim community leaders with concerns or complaints of domestic violence, he stated the dire need of training for leaders to recognize, and effectively address domestic violence in the community. He concurred that leaders have the Islamic knowledge in support of zero tolerance but are unprepared to practically implement protocols to assess and deal with domestic violence cases.

Overall, the Healthy Families Initiative has been gaining tremendous momentum since its inception back in June 2009. Still in its infancy, the Healthy Families Initiative aspires to promote healthy relationships, and be a resources hub for services available for those experiencing domestic violence in the Muslim community.

Domestic Violence does NOT discriminate against Muslims

2009-06-23T08:23:00.005-04:00

The beheading of Aasiya Hassan in New York back in February 2009, by her husband and founder of Bridges TV, Muzzamil Hassan, continues to ripple through the Muslim community in North America as a wake-up call crying out: “Domestic Violence does not discriminate against race, gender, nor religious background”. Unfortunately, it has taken this high profile murder case, to once again lift the veil of ignorance and denial to show that Muslim communities are not immune to the dangers of domestic violence, even as the tenants of Islam strongly condemn it.

Significant strides have been made, and continue to be made, to raise awareness on domestic violence in Muslim communities across the US. Last month in Hartford, CT, during the 34th Annual Convention of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and Muslim American Society (MAS), an entire workshop was dedicated to domestic violence. Led by Muslim Irish American, Malika Rushdan from ICNA Relief, a diverse room full of Muslim men and women was introduced to the basics of domestic violence and the dangers of ignoring its alarming presence, destructive cycles, and seeming absence from our communities.

Recognizing that some Muslim community leaders, also known as Imams, might not be trained to deal with domestic violence has been a milestone in itself, as more cases are sadly seen in our communities. Educational materials and guidelines for Imams on how to deal with, and respond to, domestic violence cases in their communities continue to emerge, including a “customized” Muslim Power and Control Wheel, developed by the late Sharifa Alkhateeb, founder and pioneer of the Peaceful Families Project. Recently, an entire issue of one of the leading Islamic magazines in North America, The Message International, was dedicated to the topic, acknowledging our religious teachings do not support and indeed condemn domestic violence.

In actuality, Islamic teachings even provide clear guidance on how to deal with domestic violence. As one of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad states: “ Help your brother (sister) whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed”. The Prophet was asked: “It is right to help him who is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” He replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.”

Muslim strides against domestic violence are not limited to educating the Muslim leaders and community at large on the topic. Muslim shelters, hotlines, counseling services, support groups, and even pre-marital classes are on the rise, especially in California, New York, and New Jersey; where the Muslim population is estimated to reach well over 2 million.

In Rhode Island, efforts are currently being made under the auspices of the non-profit organization Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement (RICMA) to create a Domestic Violence task force. A group of Muslim men and women, under the leadership of a female domestic violence survivor, gathered last Saturday in the facilities of the Islamic School of Rhode Island, in West Warwick. These men and women met to discuss the formation and mission of the task force. Through brainstorming, examination of statistics and resources available through the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV), and evaluation of existing materials addressing domestic violence from an Islamic perspective, goals were set to provide education and support to the Muslim community. The group hopes to reach out to the RI community for dialogue, guidance, and support on this important mission.