Guidance for DV Providers

• In general, Muslims are not a monolithic people either in ethnicity, or level of practice of the faith.
• If a Muslim woman were to enter a shelter, some accommodations the shelter could provide are loose fitting clothing, vegetarian options and a meditation/ prayer area. Please respect the code of dress. We can help provide "halal" (Muslim kosher) meat.
• Muslim women on the whole would feel much more comfortable talking to a female counselor/doctor. If translators are needed, we have advocates and members who can speak Urdu, Kannada, Farsi, Turkish and Arabic.
• Islamic culture puts a high emphasis on family and keeping family bonds, however this is sometimes misinterpreted to mean that even abusive relationships should be endured for the sake of the family.
• Divorce is allowed in Islam, but considered a last resort. Moreover, society attaches a stigma to it and especially to divorced women. Couples are encouraged to exhaust all options before divorcing. We can provide referrals to Muslim counselors and Imams if needed so the survivor can discuss her options and make the best decision possible for her situation.