Sada-e-Watan Sydney
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Darulfatwa – Islamic High Council of Australia with DCJ Hosts Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Event to Empower the Community - Sydney, Australia
(By: Mohamad Chams, Manager Public Relations, Darulfatwa Islamic High Council of Australia)
The critical issue of domestic and family violence was prominently addressed. As local leaders, community members, and experts convened for a significant event focused on raising awareness, discussing prevention strategies, and providing resources for those affected. The event was held in October 2024 skilfully moderated by Principal Solicitor and Notary Public Hani Skaf and Mrs Sandy Al-Aweik, who led participants through a series of impactful presentations and discussions.
Mrs Sandy Al-Aweik
The event commenced with an acknowledgment of the Cabrogal people, the traditional custodians of the land. The agenda featured a diverse lineup of speakers and topics, offering comprehensive insights into the various aspects of domestic and family violence.
Keynote speakers and highlights included:
• Hon. Tina Ayyad, MP, Member for Holsworthy; The Hon. Anthony D’Adam, MLC; Mr. David Saliba, MP; Bankstown Police Area Command, Acting Commander Darren Sly, who offered formal addresses underscoring the significance of a united approach to ending domestic violence.
• Dr. Sheikh Ibrahim El Shafie, Deputy Chairman of Darulfatwa Islamic High Council of Australia, delivered a keynote address on “The Role of Community in Preventing Domestic and Family Violence,” exploring the crucial role that religious and community leaders play in supporting victims and fostering a violence-free society.
• Senior Constable Belinda Angwin and Senior Constable Katherine Bilusic of the NSW Police provided a critical law enforcement perspective on the impact of domestic and family violence, particularly on young people, sparking thoughtful engagement during a Q&A session.
Following the break, a legal panel convened featuring representatives from Legal Aid, the Justice Support Centre, Metro Assist, Ms Anna Baltins Accredited Specialist Family Law- Legal Aid / Associate Director, Domestic and Family Violence | Domestic Violence Unit | Family Law, Mrs Farah Assafiri Manager, Southwest Sydney WDVCAS support Service, Ms Jasmine Mguizra, Team Leader, Settlement Engagement & Transition Support Program, Metro Assist.
They collectively outlined the legal resources available to victims.
Dr Robbie Lloyd
One of the most anticipated sessions of the event was the panel discussion, which included youth and religious leaders from Southwest Sydney, Mabinty Bah, Bahaa Kasem, Sheikh Mahmoud Alwan and Sheikh Wisam Saad.
The dialogue tackled the unique challenges faced by families, children, and youth concerning domestic and family violence, while presenting community-based solutions through the adherence to the noble principles of Islam, which offer protection for all parties involved.
The event concluded with a roundtable discussion facilitated by the Department of (DCJ), which provided a call to action and outlined practical steps the community can take moving forward. Closing remarks were delivered by representative from DCJ Ms Camilla Wawi and Hajj Mohamad Chams of Darulfatwa, concluding a day rich in vital information and collaborative engagement.
This event provided a vital opportunity for the community to come together, exchange knowledge, and strengthen collaborative efforts to prevent domestic and family violence in Sydney and beyond.
Hon. Tina Ayyad, MP
Hon. Anthony D’Adam, MLC
Hon. David Saliba, MP
Sheikh Ibrahim Shafie
Ms Camilla Wawi
Mr Hani Skaf
Hon. Tina Ayyad, MP, Member for Holsworthy
Commander Darren Sly
Senior Constable Belinda Angwin and Senior Constable Katherine Bilusic
Mr Mohamed Dukuly
Ms Mabenty Bah
Mohamad Chams (centre) with Bankstown Police officers
Dr Manas Ghosh Ms Helen Clarke Ziad El Daoud and Mohamad Chams
Farah Assafiri , Mabinty Bah, Bahaa Kasem, Sheikh Wisam Saad, Sheikh Mahmoud Alwan, Jasmine Mguizra & Anna Baltins
