Violence against women is epidemic. According to a CDC Fact Sheet on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), each year in the United States about 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes are committed against women. Women account for 75% of the IPV-related deaths.
Violence against men is also a major problem. Each year, men experience about 2.9 million intimate partner-related physical assaults.
The CDC defines IPV as:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse that occurs between two people in a close relationship. The term “intimate partner” includes current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV exists along a continuum from a single episode of violence to ongoing battering.
IVP is not just physical abuse. It also includes sexual abuse, threats, and emotional abuse. These 4 types of behavior are not exclusive and several types of IVP may occur simultaneously. IVP often starts with emotional abuse and then progresses to sexual or physical abuse.
The health effects of IVP are far reaching and, in general, the longer the abuse continues the more serious the consequences. Physical injuries are common, including minor injuries such as cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, head trauma, and death. Emotional trauma can result in low-self esteem, difficulty in trusting others and forming healthy relationships, eating disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, and more.
Violence against women does not discriminate. Women suffer throughout the world, regardless of country of origin, economic status, educational level, religion, etc.
Concerned brothers have joined together to address this issue in the Muslim community. One such group is the Muslim Men Against Domestic Abuse (MMADA), established in February 2009 and “dedicated to domestic tranquility.”
Members must pledge to “never to engage in, support, or remain silent about the physical, psychological, and emotional abuse of Muslim and non-Muslim women and children.”
MMADA’s goal is to educate and advocate:
We aim to provide educational resources and serve as a tool for advocacy. Recognizing that domestic abuse is merely a symptom of much larger social, institutional, and individual pathologies, we seek to identify and eradicate its root causes. We do so with the belief that our religion calls us to stand for justice and reject all forms of oppression.
MMADA’s websites provides links to other organizations also dealing with this issue, including the Peaceful Families Project, which describes itself as,
an American Muslim organization that joins other faith communities in recognizing that domestic violence is a form of oppression that affects people of all faiths. We believe that Islam should never be used to justify abusive behavior; instead Islam should be used as a resource to prevent domestic violence.
The website also links to Karamah, Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, “a Human Rights Organization of Muslim Women Lawyers Dedicated to Promoting Dignity for All Human Beings Through Education and Legal Outreach.”
Another group of men who have joined together to address this issue is Muslim Men Against Domestic Violence, “an educational initiative of the Baitul Salaam Network, Inc." Its blog has links to many resources as well. It also has a pledge, which was signed by men from all over the world at the 46th Annual ISNA Convention this July. (See related article Interview with Shyam K. Sriram, Coordinator for Muslim Men Against Domestic Violence).
Islam categorically condemns violence against women. The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace--whom Muslims are told to emulate--had immense respect for women. He treated his wives with great kindness and never hit them. The Prophet (saas) stated,
"The best of you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family." (Tirmidhi)
A YouTube video well worth watching is Sermon: Removing the Silence on Domestic Violence by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (see link below). At one point Shaykh Hamza states,
Anybody that tells you violence against your own spouse is justifiable in Islam is not only a liar but he’s absolutely disparaging the Messenger of Allaah (saas), who was sent as a mercy to all the world and certainly a mercy to women.
Comments
I wanted to thank you for writing this article. As a Muslim man, coincidentally one who has recently started a non-profit for victims of domestic violence (i-appreciate.org), it is very important to show how Islam teaches us to treat people with respect and dignity and to always enjoin good and forbid evil regardless of someone's race, gender or religion.
Salaams Julie:
I met the young brother from MMADA at ISNA. I am so glad to see Muslim men focusing on the prevention of domestic violence to both Muslims and non Muslims.
Salaams Altamash, May you be rewarded for your efforts. I like your website--JAK for sharing.
Awesome article. Thank you for putting Muslim Men in a positive light.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!