The Role of Mental Health Professionals
HEART Executive Director Nadiah Mohajir, in partnership with Muslim Wellness Foundation, Dr. Sarah Syed from Khalil Center, and Sarah Rashid, participated in a virtual panel on effectively addressing sexual violence in the Muslim community. The 90-min panel featured presentations from each of the panelists, including a short discussion afterward.
In light of the recent allegations of sexual violence against a prominent Imam in Chicago, the following questions were addressed: How can Muslim mental health professionals help facilitate conversations about shame, stigma and healing? How can mental health professionals and the community at large work toward promoting a victim-centric approach, that supports survivors and their families through the healing process?
Participants included Nadiah Mohajir, who spoke on HEART’s work, Dr. Sarah Syed who spoke from the perspective of a mental health professional that works with survivors, and Sarah Rashid, a writer and artist, who spoke from the perspective of a survivor.
The webinar was very well received, with a particularly moving testimonial from one of its viewers.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the call last night. I really don’t know where to start, but I have been through so much in my life and finally recognizing myself as a survivor and not just a victim. I could relate so much to Sarah. Everything on the call was so beneficial. Please let those sisters know everything they said was spot on….we heard everything they said and showed and it was food for my soul.
After the call, I woke up this morning like my spirit has been a sleep for decades, it is now awake, knowing more about myself and wanting to do more for me and others… Please keep me in the loop of this because my work is only beginning, there is so much that I would like to do for this cause. May Allah reward you well. Thank you.”
Below is the full webinar, please do not hesitate to share your feedback with us! A big thank you to the Muslim Wellness Foundation for inviting us to participate.
salaam alakum, I am both excited and deeply sadened by reading this article. Sad that Muslims and people in general have to go through these experiences, however I am overjoyed that we have people like ourselves out there in society helping a once victim become healthy, strong survivors.
I have worked for years with those that have endured trauma from domestic violence, and sexual harassment /assault and am a survivor myself. With years of experience as a victim advocate, today I travel and instruct others on becoming new victim advocates and coordinators. One day I’d love to be more beneficial to my ummah too. If k can be of assistance please let me know, I live in Southern California. Thank you for all that you have done and blazing a path for others to help out as well!
Sincerely,
Sr. Christy Younes