Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Prevention – Some suggestions

Increase our knowledge of Islam

Pre-Marital counseling

Education directed at youth concerning healthy relationships

Older adults modeling proper behavior (respect, consultation, moderation) to younger adults, especially in our Masjids and homes.

Establish programs in your community for support and promotion of healthy families

Invest in the youth & young adults– pool funds to send them to deen intensives, Quran & Arabic lessons etc...

Promote mediation as a tool- have at least 6-10 adults and 6-10 youth trained in mediation and conflict resolution in your community

Give regular seminars on Marriage, mediation & conflict resolution, domestic violence, parenting in your community

Have health & wellness fair for your community

Give your Imam 2-3 professionals in the filed of mental health, social work, domestic violence that he can consult with when needed.

Provide ESL classes and Adjustment/Life skills classes to those new to the country

Transportation for those isolated from the community

Open the door to collaborating with secular agencies; invite them to speak about their services, offer to do diversity training on Islam for their agency, participate in any training they may offer.

Get your Imams trained they are the first line of inquiry for both men and women

Get a few families in your community certified to take foster children

Keep trying until you find the rights strategies for your community!

Intervention

Golden Rule!!!
If in doubt - Reach out (safely)

Don't allow the abused to become invisible! In our halaqa, mosque or community

When they are ready to talk/leave based on paper by Najma Adam

Be aware of your own biases, prejudices, beliefs and values
Respect her; this is her life and she has the right to make her own decisions
Listen to her without judging or lecturing to her
Help her to prepare a safety plan
Support her decision
Educate yourself and educate her on domestic violence
Be a resource for her
Empower her by focusing on her strengths and placing the blame where it is due (with the abuser)
Remember you are not a “Savior” nor is this about you

Intervention- the importance of Confidentiality:

Confidentiality – the most important aspect of keeping someone safe
Maintain Islamic manners
Help to maintain her dignity
Help should not be humiliating – validate their choices, empower them through your non-judgmental support
Many women will not seek help within the community because of the “talk” that happens
Seek help from those qualified to do so
Give only necessary information to the necessary people
Don't over-describe – say what is essential and leave it at that!!!

Intervention-Working with/within Secular organizations

These relationships will grow and change with time
Provide a balance of dependence...in the beginning Muslim communities may lean heavily on such agencies until they began to develop programs and institutions to address the issues of the community in a more comprehensive way
Agencies to concentrate on Children Services, Mental Health, Schools (Elementary)
Keep the communication flowing between the community and these agencies...think of your relationship in spans of 10, 15, 20 years not just case by case situations

Establish safe houses/safe places within the community

Give your Imam 2-3 professionals in the filed of mental health, social work, domestic violence that he can consult with when needed.

Survivors speak out

If you self identify as a battered or formerly battered individual you are welcome to share your story.