(CLEVELAND, OH, 5/4/2010) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter recently offered a forum entitled Islamic Perspectives on Domestic Violence Prevention during Grand Rounds at the Cleveland Clinic.

The training offered information and tools for helping social workers, patient advocates, and health care practitioners to optimize services for Muslim victims and covered issues such as: the impact of family violence on the Muslim community; challenges and barriers for advocates and victims; resources for combating domestic violence in Muslim communities; marriage and gender roles in Islam; the role of religious texts; and Islamic perspectives on healthy relationships.

“Domestic violence is a serious public health issue that impacts all communities, regardless of race, religion, culture or nationality.” said Shearson. “The goal of our training is to break down barriers to effective treatment and prevention by offering health practitioners and social workers the awareness and tools to provide culturally aligned approaches to recognize and help stop domestic violence in diverse communities.”

CAIR-Cleveland has offered similar trainings on domestic violence at the Ohio Attorney General’s “Two Days in May” statewide witness/victim conference; Fairview Hospital; First Cleveland Mosque; and the Islamic Center of Cleveland.

To set up a training session or for more information, contact CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247.

CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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