HEART to HEART: Sexually Transmitted Infections FAQ: What Are They?
This HEART to Heart video gives foundational and practical information about sexually transmitted infections. To view the accompanying handout, please click on the "Learn More" button below.
Tags: Muslims & Sex Ed, RAHIM, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Responding with RAHMA: Removing Roadblocks for Muslim Survivors of Sexual Violence
1 in 4 women are victims of sexual violence in their lifetime and more than 68% of sexual assault victims choose not to report their assault. This paper (written for the Hurma Project Research Conference in January 2020) explores the barriers to sexual violence response, intervention, and prevention in Muslim communities as well as the opportunities in those areas using a public health framework.
Tags: Allyship, Avenues of Support, Barriers to Reporting, Domestic Violence, Fulfill your AMANAH, Lead with ADALAH, Healing, Responding with RAHMA, Sexual Violence 101
Understanding Sexual Violence in Faith Communities: A Resource for Professionals Working with Youth
Understanding Sexual Violence and Working toward Prevention is a resource created by HEART and Maryam Mirza, and is partly adapted from a previous collaborative toolkit: Engaging Muslim Communities in Ending Sexual Exploitation. This paper is for groups within Muslim communities such as educators, school administrators, other mental health professionals and any other individuals who are committed to working to prevent sexual violence from plaguing our communities.
Tags: Allyship, Barriers to Reporting, Institutional Change, Sexual Violence 101
Religious Headwear: Protecting First Amendment Rights in Los Angeles County
HEART staff member Sahar Pirzada collaborated on this policy brief published by the Women’s Policy Institute. Highlighting the issue of religious headwear in LA County, this brief asks LA County to allow women to don religious headwear if they choose, thereby aligning with basic First Amendment rights. At HEART, we recognize the intersectionality of issues including Islamophobia, sexual violence, and gender inequality. Injustices must be addressed across the board for real social change to occur.
Tags: Advocacy, Gendered Islamophobia, Reproductive Justice
BEYOND HALAL AND HARAM: MUSLIMS, SEX, AND RELATIONSHIPS SAFETY CARD
The goal of this safety card is to be both a survivor-centered resource and a useful conversation starter for health care providers, counselors, social workers, mentors, or other adults working with high-school and college-aged Muslim youth who are doing universal education around healthy relationships and assessing for violence. The card provides information on healthy relationships and sex, guidance and resources for support, how to help a friend, and cultural and religious factors that play into decision-making.
Tags: Muslims & Sex Ed, RAHIM, Sexual Decision Making
Sex Education for Muslim Youth: Starting the Conversation
An introductory toolkit, this resource targets anyone interested in starting the conversation about sexual health with Muslim youth in a way that is mindful of the community’s cultural and religious values. Perfect for the individual who may not necessarily work with Muslim youth full-time, but still interacts with them on a regular basis, such as the Sunday School teacher, the youth group leader, or a committed parent. This toolkit raises awareness about why it is important to start speaking with Muslim youth about sexual and reproductive health, and offers some tips and strategies on how to begin those conversations in a way that is true to public health science and also aligned with the Islamic tradition.
Tags: Comprehensive Sex Education, Muslims & Sex Ed, RAHIM, Sexual Decision Making, Youth