British Muslim charity tackles domestic violence

Tuesday 20 Oct 2015 - 13:02 Makkah mean time-7-1-1437

Dr Alia Syed, centre, talks to the group. Image from The Sentinel

Staffordshire, England (IINA) - Aiming to tackle domestic violence in the United Kingdom, a British Muslim charity has launched recently its first branch outside the North West of England in order to offer solutions for the wider community in Stoke-on-Trent City in Staffordshire , according to media reports.
The purpose of the Planet Mercy charity was to support victims of violence in the home. At the charity's first workshop at Tunstall Library, volunteers worked with women to educate them about the signs of abuse and to encourage them to seek help.
Commenting on the subject Zahid Mahmood, of Tunstall, said, "Domestic violence is a taboo topic in Muslim communities and victims are often scared to speak out. "We want to work with people to tackle those issues which directly affect the Muslim and Asian communities, although they may also resonate with the wider population."
The charity will be working with faith leaders, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, National Health Service (NHS) staff and solicitors to address domestic violence.
On her part, solicitor Lesley Bowen, who works at Smallthorne-based Walters and Plaskitt solicitors, said, "The police don't always have the resources to deal with everything, so we want to let people know that we are here if they need advice on divorce or injunctions.
"Victims of domestic abuse need to know they don't have to stay in abusive relationships."
Although Islam strongly condemns and opposes all forms of violence, especially against women, marital abuse has been an issue, which communities across the UK have seldom addressed, either because of fear of stigmatization or cultural indoctrination.
According to latest figures, more than 19,000 domestic violence attacks reported in Staffordshire between July 1 and June 30 this year.
In Islam, marriage is a sacred bond that brings together a man and a woman by virtue of the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
Each partner in this sacred relationship must treat the other properly and with respect.
Woman is recognized by Islam as the full and equal partner of the man in the procreation of humankind.
By this partnership, she has an equal share in every aspect. She is entitled to equal rights, she undertakes equal responsibilities, and she has as many qualities and as much humanity as her partner.
Moreover, the relations between the spouses in Islam should be based on tranquility, love and mercy.
Planet Mercy was established in 2008 as a non-profit organization that aims to educate, promote cohesion, tolerance and understanding within our communities and offer solutions, directions and friendly atmosphere for personal and community developments.
SM/IINA

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