PFP conducts domestic violence trainings, presents at local, national, and international forums, and organizes conferences and other training forums to help advocates and providers enhance their knowledge and skills. Our trainings emphasize cultural sensitivity to assist service providers and professionals in improving their service provision to Muslims, in conducting more effective outreach to Muslim communities, and in developing and disseminating resources and materials that are appropriate for Muslims. PFP also collaborates with advocates and researchers in advisorial and partnership capacities.
Workshops are conducted by PFP facilitators with extensive expertise in advocating against domestic violence in Muslim communities. Each workshop is customized to meet the needs of the sponsoring community, so advocates from various fields of social service expertise, Islamic scholars, local religious leaders, and legal experts may also present. We encourage sponsoring organizations to foster a collaborative approach by connecting with imams, masjid board and committee members, community leaders, attorneys, social service professionals, school teachers, domestic violence advocates, mental health providers, medical professionals, human rights activists, political activists, and youth leaders.
Workshops are conducted by PFP facilitators with extensive expertise in advocating against domestic violence in Muslim communities. Each workshop is customized to meet the needs of the sponsoring community, so advocates from various fields of social service expertise, Islamic scholars, local religious leaders, and legal experts may also present. We encourage sponsoring organizations to foster a collaborative approach by connecting with imams, masjid board and committee members, community leaders, attorneys, social service professionals, school teachers, domestic violence advocates, mental health providers, medical professionals, human rights activists, political activists, and youth leaders.
Professional Development for Imams & Chaplains
Imams and chaplains are often the first responders when families are affected by domestic violence. Our one to two-day workshops offer Imams and chaplains the opportunity to increase their knowledge regarding the prevalence, dynamics and impact of domestic violence, as well as best practices for responding effectively. These workshops are led by a team comprised of an imam and a practitioner who combine a theological and practical approach. Participants are thus able to gain not only a theoretical understanding of the issues, but also to develop skills in assessing and responding to domestic violence. An emphasis is placed on defining the role of theImams and chaplains in prevention and intervention, and the ways in which imams can work collaboratively with other advocates and professionals in order to develop a coordinated community response. Participants in these workshops have noted that they value the opportunity to learn with their peers, to have in depth discussions about theological concepts as well as how to apply what they’ve learned, and to feel more confident in their ability to intervene effectively.
Community Awareness Workshops
These workshops focus on raising awareness among Muslim community members and leaders about the prevalence and dynamics of domestic violence. Participants learn about the model of healthy relationships presented in Islam, as well as what constitutes unhealthy relationships in general and abusive relationships in particular. Our workshops are designed to help community members address domestic violence by understanding it and by learning about the resources available to respond to it. These workshops are also an opportunity for community members and service providers to build or develop relationships with each other. Workshops can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a particular community, with trainers available to address specific areas of expertise such as social services, mental health, Islamic law, and U.S. family law. In addition to benefiting the general community, these workshops are also helpful for mosque board members, administrative staff, youth leaders and teachers who all come into contact with families affected by domestic violence.
Marital Bliss Workshops
As part of our focus on primary prevention, we offer these full-day workshops to married couples to provide them with the tools that will help ensure healthy, violence-free relationships. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the key elements of healthy relationships, as well as to learn and practice effective communication and conflict resolution skills. Participants in these workshops appreciate the opportunity to spend a day with their spouses focusing on nurturing their relationship. Participants in previous workshops have noted that they enjoy the exercises that have helped them understand themselves and their spouses better, and that they appreciate having concrete skills to continue using at home after the workshop.
Workshops & Presentation Topics
Our trainers can present on a wide range of topics. These topics can either be stand alone presentations or part of a full or half day workshop. A sample of topics includes:
- Islamic Perspective of Domestic Violence
- Islamic Model of Healthy Families
- Responding Effectively to Domestic Violence
- Working Effectively with Muslim Families & Communities
- Islamic Perspective of Mental Health
- Positive Communication
- Using Faith to Address Child Abuse, Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence