'Hitting Home'
Domestic Violence Conference 06
Leicester University, Ken Edwards Building
Date: 18th February 2006
Time :11am - 2pm
IMAD condemns domestic violence and recognises it as a crime and an unacceptable act within the Muslim and wider community, it is an act which affects the entire family unit and society and large.
What is Domestic Violence?
The term "domestic violence" is a catch-all definition usually referring to violence and abuse (be it physical, psychological, sexual, emotional and/ or financial) perpetrated within current or former relationships with the purpose of gaining power and control over the victim.
Women and children are more likely to experience domestic violence at some point in their lives in comparison to men, with the increased likelihood of repeated victimisation, serious injury requiring medical help, suffer frightening threats and are more likely to be living in an atmosphere of fear (Home Office Research Study No.192, 1998).
The conference organisers and the coalition against Domestic Violence recognise that violence and abuse is experienced within a range of different types of relationships; between partners and in parent-child relationships.
It is recognised that domestic violence exists in all social classes, racial, ethnic, religious and cultural groups and that it can be experienced at any age, irrespective of factors such as sexuality, marital status and disability. However, we are aware that because of the stigma attached to this rather taboo area, it can affect a person's seeking help and success in protecting themselves and their children from domestic violence.
Conference Aims
The organisers and participating organisations wish to demonstrate a commitment to, and support for, those experiencing domestic violence.
The aims of the event are:
To eliminate any confusion and clarify the Islamic view on issues such as domestic violence, spousal abuse, forced marriages and female genital mutilation.
To raise awareness of domestic violence, what forms it can take, and its likely effects on the entire family unit and wider community.
empower, educate and inform victims of their legal and Islamic rights, and thus contribute to positive changes to enjoy normal fulfilling lives.
To discuss strategies to enable the community to assist victims and take appropriate action to reduce and eliminate domestic violence.
assist networking and the sharing of effective strategies between professionals, community leaders, faith leaders and the local community to tackle these issues.
http://www.imad.org.uk/