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Imams from across the south west of Glasgow have joined forces with Strathclyde Police, the Muslim Care Council Glasgow and Glasgow Community Planning Partnership to tackle the traditionally taboo subject of domestic abuse in ethnic minority communities.

The religious leaders came together with around  50 people including representatives from women’s aid and other support groups and Waterloo Road and River City star Shabana Akhtar Bakhsh, to discuss how best to provide support for woman who are subjected to attacks in the home and how to bring the violence to an end.

Shabana, a vehement supporter of preventing domestic abuse, began proceedings by performing a play based on diary extracts from a victim to allow people to see the journey of abuse.    

She said: “I hope that by getting involved in events such as this and raise awareness of the subject I can contribute to changing the culture of domestic abuse violence against woman and encourage Imams to speak up and use their role as community leaders to change attitudes and behaviours to abuse.”  

The event, which was held in the south west of Glasgow, an area known for its diverse population, specifically targeted ethnic minorities, as victims from these groups often face additional barriers in accessing support for fear of isolation within their own community.

As part of the seminar Imams, or there mosque representatives, who are seen as greatly-respected figures of authority in these communities, were asked to sign a white ribbon pledging never to condone or remain silent about violence against women.

Imam SH Rabbani from Pollokshaws Mosque said that the campaign was important to increase awareness of the support available within the Muslim community, by the Muslim Care Council Glasgow and the Police. He said that anyone within the Muslim community experiencing domestic violence should contact their Imam who will support them to access the appropriate support.   

Chair of the south west local community planning partnership that funded the event, Bailie James McNally, said: “Everyone has the right to live in safety and without fear, be it on the streets or in their own home.

“Domestic violence in any community, not just within ethnic minority communities, is often hidden away as it happens behind closed doors and I hope that by holding events such as this one we can highlight the problem and look at how we can come together to support victims and put an end to the abuse.”

Kevin Duffy, Sub Divisional Officer for the South West, Strathclyde Police, said: “Tackling domestic abuse is high on the Strathclyde Police agenda and this conference has enabled us to develop a partnership with the Muslim community allowing us to work together to improve support to those victims of domestic abuse.”

White Ribbon Scotland contributes to ending violence against women by engaging men and boys in taking action on the issue. They do this by raising awareness, promoting discussion and providing information and resources to support personal and collective action among men. www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk

Community planning is a process that brings together the public sector, partners and the community to agree priorities on the planning and provision of services. It is about ensuring that the public services we all use are delivered in the most effective way possible and brings the added dimension of jointly planning services in a way that will ensure their more effective delivery through partnership.