Five Domestic Violence Resources and Initiatives to Utilize During Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Beyond
By Alaa Essafi
One in four women and one in seven men aged 18 and older have been the victim of severe physical violence by a partner in their lifetime. The Muslim community is not immune to these statistics. 53% of American Muslims reported experiencing some form of domestic violence during their lifetime. However, the topic remains taboo in our communities. It’s too big of a problem to stay quiet about. Just because it isn’t being talked about doesn’t mean it isn’t happening in our communities. We owe it to the survivors of domestic violence to dispel judgment, shame, and the blatant ignorance surrounding the issue.
If left unaddressed, the cycle of domestic violence is reproduced generation after generation. As a community, we need to unite and stand up against this oppression with swift action by providing safe spaces for survivors to share their stories instead of perpetuating the trope that patience is necessary. We need to break the cycle of domestic abuse so that the next home will be one of peace and tranquility. Listed below are several resources and organizations that have made it their mission to end domestic violence and provide all types of support to its survivors.
Wafaa House is a New Jersey-based domestic violence agency that was founded in 2004 by Dorria Fahmy and Nawal Kahf. They offer a wide range of free services such as emergency financial assistance, transportation vouchers, diaper bank, etc. They provide four counseling services: marriage and family counseling, individual counseling, play therapy for children, and substance abuse counseling. Counselors speak both English and Arabic.
2.NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence
The mission of the NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence is to lead community and systemic responses to domestic violence by providing public awareness, training, advocacy, policy development, technical assistance, and supportive services.
Founded in 2017, Facing Abuse aims to hold Muslim leaders like clergy, teachers, and scholars accountable for abusive practices. They work towards accountability and a standardized means to prevent these leaders from moving from community to community. Their website features a “Historic Transgressions List” that consists of individuals with allegations of abuse of power. FACE also investigates reports of abuse submitted on their website.
Muslim Aid Fund USA, LaunchGood, and Verona are spearheading the first-ever Muslim global campaign against domestic violence. Ending on November 12th, the campaign features several Muslim leaders and scholars like Abdelrahman Murphy, Imam Khalid Latif, Yasmin Mogahed, and others.
The Muslim Aid Fund USA provides medical, legal, and psychosocial counseling services; and trains Imams around the country on how to properly provide support and comfort to survivors of domestic violence. Additionally, they provide shelter to both Muslim and non-Muslim women and children.
5.National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a free, confidential, 24/7 hotline that provides support and resources to survivors.