Type:	Report
Title:	Religion and family harmony project - Western Sydney region : project report
Authors:	Religion and Family Harmony Project Working Group
Keywords:	CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse);Community education;Religious groups
Year:	2005
Publisher:	Violence Against Women
Notes:	General overview: This reports on the Religion and Family Harmony Project in the Western Sydney region in NSW, initiated in 2002 by a partnership between the Regional Violence Prevention Specialist (Western Sydney); Parramatta, Rosehill and Holroyd Local Area Commands (NSW Police) and the Anti-Violence Project at Cumberland Women’s Health Centre. Methods: A Community Forum was held in Merrylands in 2002, along with the launch of an information booklet, targeted at women sponsored to Australia under the temporary spouse visa. A Working Group was formed and they met with Muslim, Buddhist, Bahai, Christian, Jewish, Sikh and Hindu religious and community leaders as well as priests from different ethnic and sectoral backgrounds. Discussion: An overview is given on the extent of domestic violence with some key statistics, and includes information on barriers to disclosure and the potential role of religious leaders in preventing violence. Results: Over a period of 30 months, there has been a shift in the attitude towards domestic violence. A Religion and Family Harmony Forum, the first of its kind, was held in NSW, June 2004. A poster and plan of action also resulted. The Action Plan contained a list of tasks that the religious leaders would implement. Some of the strategies included having information available in community languages, providing referral to support agencies, training and introducing ideas of family harmony in religious discussions. Conclusions: The working party is exploring funding options. Family harmony workshops within community groups will also be conducted.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/19226
Physical description:	7p
Appears in Collections:	Reports

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