New Research Report Illuminates Challenges Faced by Muslim Women Experiencing Gender-Based Violence
The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada (MACC), in collaboration with the Centre for Community-Based Research (CCBR), have released the Year 1 Research Report, part of a groundbreaking study titled Researching Barriers to Gender-Based Violence Services for Canadian Muslims Through Community-Driven Knowledge Mobilization. This report represents the culmination of Phase 1 of a 2.5-year project aiming to address gender-based violence (GBV) among Muslim women in Halton Region and beyond.
Key Findings
Muslim women facing GBV encounter unique, intersectional barriers that compound their struggles. The report identifies three main categories of obstacles:
1. Community-Based Barriers
- Stigma and shame discourage women from speaking out, compounded by cultural pressures and distorted religious interpretations that justify abuse.
- Isolation from community networks, either enforced by abusers or perpetuated by societal attitudes, exacerbates their vulnerability.
2. Systemic Barriers
- Insufficient resources, from a lack of shelter space to inadequate emotional support for survivors.
- Complex bureaucratic processes, which deter survivors with overwhelming paperwork and repeated storytelling requirements.
- Islamophobia and racism within legal systems, creating distrust and additional risks for women seeking help.
3. Overlapping Barriers
- Shelter-related challenges, such as limited stay durations and culturally insensitive practices.
- Financial dependence on abusers and fears over child custody, which make leaving abusive situations even harder.
Best Practices and Recommendations
Despite these barriers, the research highlights effective practices that provide critical support to survivors:
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating women about their legal rights and available resources is foundational to breaking cycles of abuse.
- Community Engagement: Schools, religious spaces, and hospitals serve as critical access points for connecting survivors to services.
- Trauma-Informed and Culturally Competent Care: These approaches are vital to fostering trust and ensuring accessible, relevant support.
The report offers strategic recommendations aligned with Canada's National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, including:
- Establishing Muslim-led initiatives and increasing the representation of Muslim women in decision-making roles.
- Investing in culturally appropriate shelters and support infrastructure tailored to the needs of Muslim survivors.
- Training frontline workers, including imams and religious leaders, in culturally sensitive support methods.
Next Steps
Building on these findings, Phase 2 of the project will evaluate promising interventions, and Phase 3 will focus on developing training tools and knowledge-sharing resources. By involving community members, service providers, and policymakers, the project aims to foster systemic change and enhance support for survivors.
Join the Conversation
The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada invites community members, service providers, and advocates to engage with this critical work. By addressing the unique challenges faced by Muslim women, we can collectively create a safer, more inclusive society for all.
To access the full report or learn how to support this initiative, visit https://www.muslimadvisory.ca/researching-barriers-to-gender-based-violence-services-for-canadian-muslims