Let’s Talk About Abuse: The Path to Safety

Violence within family units and between loved ones is on the rise. Family violence touches many of us, either directly or through someone we know. It is important that we reach out and speak up when it occurs. When kept behind closed doors, it only intensifies and shielded by silence. Let's ensure we do not contribute to such violence in any way – whether it is by enabling, ignoring, or excusing it.

In this webinar, our panelists will discuss the types of abuse and its effects on a person’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. They will also talk about how someone experiencing abuse can get on a path to safety.

“The one who sets out in the path of God will find frequent refuge and abundance” - [Surah an-Nisa, Ayah 100]

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Al-Waez Jamil Sawani lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he is a practicing criminal and civil litigation lawyer. He is also a Qualified Mediator and is currently serving as a Member of the National Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Canada. Al-Waez Jamil has a particular interest in the history and evolution of our faith traditions and practices.

Zainab Ibrahim was born in Iraq, and has been living on the unceded land of the Coast Salish peoples for the past 12 years. Zainab is a graduate student enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Victoria. She currently works as an Operation Manager at Nisa Homes, which is a transitional home for Muslim, immigrant, refugee, and non-status women who are fleeing violence, abuse, or experiencing homelessness. Recently, Zainab’s work has focused on lowering accessibility barriers for marginalized women and children in need of safe shelters.

Mumtaz Waljee is a social worker with over 20 years of experience in the Ontario child welfare sector. She has held a number of positions both in the frontline and within management at the largest child welfare agency in the country, as well as at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Mumtaz is currently the Alternative Care Supervisor with an Indigenous child well-being agency. In her role, she supervises staff that support, assess, and manage foster care, kinship, customary care, and adoption caregivers. She has previously held various voluntary positions, including: Chairperson of the Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Ontario, Principal of Durham BUI Centre, and Durham SEED Co-ordinator. Mumtaz is currently a member on the National Social Welfare Board for Canada.

Zainool Mamdani is a community advocate and professional with a depth of corporate and non-profit experience. She leverages her education and experience to provide strategic leadership and operational guidance. Zainool holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Development from the University of Victoria, as well as a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development.  She is currently a member of the National Social Welfare Board for Canada focusing on Community Partnerships.