Darulfatwa – the Islamic High Council of Australia – in partnership with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Police, the City of Canterbury Bankstown, Metro Assist, and Justice Support Centre, proudly hosted a landmark seminar titled “Community Response to Domestic and Family Violence” at Salamah College Grand Hall.
This pivotal event brought together religious leaders, government representatives, educators, service providers, and community advocates to confront the urgent issue of domestic and family violence (DFV) and explore collaborative, culturally informed solutions.
Powerful Voices and Shared Purpose
The seminar featured impactful contributions from leading voices, including:
• The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister for Women, Seniors, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Minister Harrison emphasised that no single institution can solve DFV alone, calling for a united, whole-of-community approach. She commended Darulfatwa’s leadership in bringing together diverse stakeholders to address this critical issue.
• Dr Sheikh Ibrahim El Shafie, Deputy Chairman of Darulfatwa
In a stirring address, Dr El Shafie declared:
“We do not want broken homes. We do not want wounded hearts. We do not want a future built on fear and silence.”
He urged all sectors to uphold justice, mercy, and compassion, drawing on the ethical teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and other revered prophets. Dr El Shafie highlighted Darulfatwa’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a righteous society through education, youth engagement, and community welfare—anchored by over 27 affiliated organisations across Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
• Dr Anne Cody, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner
• Tara Neufeld, Director, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Strategy, Policy and Commissioning, DCJ
• Superintendent Robert Toynton, Auburn Police Area Commander
• Mr Gareth Wyatt, Chair, Canterbury Bankstown Domestic Liaison Committee (DFV statistics presentation)
Additional parliamentary attendees included Ms Julia Finn MP, Mrs Tina Ayyad MP, Dr David Saliba MP, and Ms Kylie Wilkinson MP, who expressed strong support for Darulfatwa’s initiative and the importance of community-led responses to DFV.
Key Seminar Highlights
The program featured a range of insightful presentations and interactive discussions:
• Coercive Control in Multicultural Contexts – Ms Farah Assafiri, Southwest Sydney WDVCAS
• Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships – Jasmine Mguizra, Metro Assist
• Law Enforcement and DFV – Detective Chief Inspector Allyson Fenwick, NSW Police
Fenwick’s presentation highlighted NSW Police’s proactive engagement with multicultural communities and their commitment to prevention, officer wellbeing, and career development.
• Community Advocacy and Policy Engagement – Sandy Al-Aweik and Anne Mangan, DCJ
This session included the Darulfatwa Call to Action and a dynamic roundtable discussion, generating practical ideas and community-driven strategies.
A Shared Vision for Safer Communities
The seminar served as a vital platform to:
• Raise awareness of DFV and its impact on families and children
• Share referral pathways and legal processes for victims and offenders
• Equip community leaders with service knowledge and resources
• Promote the NSW Religious Leaders’ Policy Against DFV
Attendees included school principals, educators, departmental officials, and respected religious and civic leaders. The event fostered meaningful dialogue, education, and unity in the collective effort to end domestic and family violence.
Closing Reflections
Mr Mohamad Chams, Manager of Darulfatwa, delivered the closing remarks, thanking all participants as well as urging them to participate in the future events.
The seminar concluded with a Mediterranean buffet lunch and informal networking, reinforcing the spirit of fellowship and collaboration among participants.
In Summary
The “Community Response to Domestic and Family Violence” seminar marked a significant milestone in community-led advocacy. It underscored the power of cross-sector collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and ethical leadership in building safer, more resilient communities across New South Wales.
Darulfatwa – Australia
