Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
NSW State Government and
Darulfatwa Australia join forces to host major seminar on Domestic and Family
Violence
(Exclusive report to Sada-e-Watan by: Mohamad Chams Manager Darulfatwa
Australia)
The NSW Department of Communities
and Justice (DCJ) in partnership with Darulfatwa, the Islamic High Council of
Australia, successfully hosted a Domestic and Family Violence religious and
communities seminar at Salamah College Grand Hall. The seminar was attended by
esteemed religious and community figures, school principals, teachers and staff,
department officials, and a line-up of speakers and panellists.
The seminar aimed to provide guidance on referral pathways for both victims and
offenders, information on legal processes after a DFV report is made, and an
opportunity to up-skill leaders with legal and service information while
providing access to DFV resources. The event was a significant step in raising
awareness, providing support, and advocating for policies that promote safety
and well-being for those affected by domestic and family violence.
Under the facilitation and moderation of 2MFM’s Nadia Zahr, the seminar provided
a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in critical conversations about
how to assist survivors, recognize indicators of domestic violence, and offer
essential support. The seminar’s agenda featured a series of speeches and
presentations that delved into the issue of domestic and family violence, the
effects of such violence on children, ways to work with victims, and the NSW
religious leaders’ declaration.
Among the distinguished speakers was His Eminence, Chairman of Darulfatwa,
Professor Sheikh Salim Alwan, the nation’s High Islamic Council. He shared his
wisdom and successful efforts in promoting the values of a true Muslim, offering
guidance in dispute resolution, and steering people away from the destructive
effects of domestic and family violence.
His eminence, Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan emphasized the importance of spreading
goodness in society with fairness and kindness while forbidding abuse, harm,
hateful violence, and extremism.
He highlighted that in Islam, neighbours do not harm their neighbours, husbands
do not harm their wives, and parents do not harm their children. These values
protect the family and everyone in society. Shaykh Salim also emphasized that
these teachings are not limited to Prophet Muhammad but are the teachings of all
prophets. He stressed the importance of justice, charity, and kinship for
everyone, including females, regardless of their roles in society.
Among the other speakers included Ms Aisha Akkawi, a counsellor from the Jannawi
Family Centre. Ms Akkawi spoke to us about the cycle of violence and the impact
of domestic and family violence on children.
Ms Farah Assafiri, the Manager of South West Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence
Court Advocacy Services in Bankstown, Liverpool, and Fairfield presented a case
study and asked the leaders in attendance to work together in their tables to
answer questions about how they would respond to the situation. Each table was
given time to discuss and report back on their discussion.
Ms. Anne Mangan, a Policy and Project Officer from the NSW Department of
Communities and Justice spoke to the attendees about the NSW Religious Leaders
DFV Guidelines and Declaration, which was signed by several groups, including
Darulfatwa, at the NSW Parliament House in 2022. A video featuring Prof Sheikh
Salim Alwan’s message on DFV was also shared during the event.
The event also Crime Manager Inspector Mark Wakeham from the Auburn Police Area
Command, who shared insights on the critical role of law enforcement in
addressing domestic and family violence.
Additionally, there was a law and services panel consisting of representatives
from NSW Police, Legal Aid, Victims Services, and DV Line. They included:
Acting Sergeant Carmen Nitchke from the Domestic Violence team at NSW Police
Anna Baltins, A/Associate Director of Domestic and Family Violence and Family
Law at Legal Aid NSW
Kha Huynh, Community and Stakeholder Liaison Officer at Victims Services,
Department of Communities and Justice
Kara Rae, Domestic Violence Line Team Manager at the Department of Communities
and Justice
During the panel discussion, the experts in domestic violence from various
organizations provided insights into the support and assistance available for
victims of domestic violence, using a hypothetical scenario involving a victim
named Sara.
Mr. Haj Mohamad Chams, the Manager of Darulfatwa-High Islamic Council of
Australia, delivered the concluding speech and extended an invitation to the
participants to relish a sumptuous Mediterranean buffet lunch arranged by the
NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The lunch was followed by informal
conversations and group photographs.
In conclusion, the seminar organized by the Department of Communities and
Justice in partnership with Darulfatwa Australia highlighted the critical need
for immediate and concerted efforts to combat domestic and family violence. The
event emphasized the shared responsibility of all individuals, organizations,
and communities in addressing this issue with compassion and determination. It
is vital that we continue to work together and take swift action to achieve
safer homes and communities for all individuals affected by domestic and family
violence.
