The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with humanitarian aid organisation, Islamic Relief Australia, to address domestic abuse and violence within Australia’s Muslim community.
Acting on behalf of the NSW branch of the central Islamic body for Australian-based Muslim clerics, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, said: “The Muslim community is in need of such initiatives and the local work of Islamic Relief is essential.”
“I believe this partnership will provide much positive change to the community and greater society as it will help to address family problems, domestic violence, and the breakdown of moral values.”
Under the agreement, Islamic Relief Australia and ANIC NSW will work together on issues of domestic violence, domestic disputes, youth mentoring, family counseling and marriage preparation.
Muaz AlHaj, CEO of Islamic Relief Australia, said that enlisting the help of the Muslim community’s spiritual leaders and their network of Mosques was a huge step forward in tackling the problems.
“This is a significant milestone for the Muslim community, it is going to help those who are in great need of support to make a positive change,” said Muaz AlHaj. “It will help Islamic Relief to make a world of difference to people’s lives.”
The initiative will form part of Islamic Relief’s counseling service, which provides free of charge counseling to families experiencing abuse including emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
“In under one year, our Community Aid program has dealt with over 845 cases ranging from domestic violence to substance abuse and family disputes in Sydney alone,” Muaz AlHaj said.
Islamic Relief’s local Community Aid Program provides support through family counselling, youth welfare, local disaster relief and no interest loans.
For more information please or to donate to Islamic Relief, visit the website www.islamic-relief.com.au