May 2003

Forum focus on Islamic community safety concerns

Islamic leaders have addressed a forum to discuss a whole-of-government response to concerns about community safety in the western suburbs.

The forum was co-convened by the Department of Human Services’ Western Metropolitan Region, Department of Education and Training, Victoria Police and Moonee Valley Council.

Islamic community leaders who attended the forum included President of Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) Yasser Soliman, Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria (IWWCV) Coordinator Joumanah El Matrah and Dr Nabil Sulaiman of the Australian Arabic Council (AAC).

The forum heard of verbal and psychological attacks against Australian Muslim and Australian Arab men and women—particularly against Muslim women who wear traditional Islamic dress.

The risk of these attacks is exacerbated during times of international conflict.

Victoria Police was commended for its response to the problem, particularly since the Gulf war.

Multicultural police liaison officers have been appointed to key police stations in the West.

Yassar Soliman announced the establishment of the Statewide, multi-lingual Victorian Muslim Community Safety Helpline coordinated by the Islamic Council of Victoria.

Community members can call the Helpline on 9329 1900 to report and seek advice and referrals following incidents that involve threats to safety, security, discrimination, vilification, intolerance, violence, violence, intimidation and hostility.

Safety coordinators are also being appointed at mosques across Victoria to encourage the reporting of incidences and assist with referring affected individuals to the legal, counselling and support, health and other services they may require.

Islamic speakers at the forum also stressed the need for outreach programs to complement the existing strategies because women tended not to report incidents and did not have a history of using available services.

The community made it clear that emergency responses to safety threats were necessary but education of the Australian public about Islam and the Arab world through the media and schooling sector would contribute to greater long-term harmony.

The forum resolved to progress the establishment of local level networks between the various Islamic community organisations, local government organisations, primary care services, schools and Victoria Police.

The role of local councils in facilitating this process and coordinating a co-linked response to community safety at the local level was canvassed.

• Service providers and volunteers interested in becoming part of the network supporting the Helpline are invited to contact Marwa Khalaf at the Islamic Council of Victoria on 9328 2067.