About Us...
[Read in Arabic]

W.A.F.A (Women against Family Abuse) House, Inc established its office and toll free Hotline in September 2004. WAFA House provides services to victims of Domestic Violence as well as education to the community at large. Domestic violence is the act of violence or willful neglect within a family. It is the emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or economic abuse that one person in an intimate relationship uses in order to control the other. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the aforementioned types of abuse are primarily a learned behavior whose effects, without intervention, become more destructive over time.

WAFA is a domestic violence organization started by Dorria Fahmy and Nawal Kahf, who realized the serious need for such an establishment among the Islamic community. The victims they came across were of Middle Eastern or South Asian descent who did not feel comfortable going to a shelter where their needs may or may not be met. The most difficult issues at hand were the language barriers and insensitivity to their religious needs. Most of the victims were not able to articulate or express themselves in English. These victims were looking for shelters where they would be able to practice their daily religious routines, such as praying five times a day, etc. This requires a person to wash up or take a mini shower prior to praying. Also, the Muslim victim requires special dietary needs of Halal meats, slaughtered in a particular way.

While working full time at a local hospital, Sr. Dorria realized that these victims felt reluctant to leave their abusers in fear of being re-victimized by going to a place where they would not be able to acclimate to the environment comprised of staff that may not be sensitive to their needs. Despite the options Sr. Dorria offered the victims, the majority would end up dropping the charges against their abusers due to lack of support. At this point, the unique idea of creating a program that caters to the needs of the Middle Eastern and South Asian victim came into light.

Sr. Dorria Fahmy is a social worker, volunteer for the Passaic County Women's Center in Paterson and a Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) member for local police stations. Sr. Nawal Kahf also a social worker and domestic violence counselor joined forces to lobby and advocate for the needs of the abused women in the Islamic community. Along with the support of the Islamic community and Sheikh Mohammad Qatanani of the Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC), these two sisters initiated the groundbreaking steps towards opening the doors of WAFA House in December 2004.

WAFA House has a diverse board made up of seven members. There is one financially reciprocated employee and about twenty five volunteers/advocates. From which two are qualified domestic violence counselors and five are certified DVRT members. There is an equal representation of both male and female advocates, volunteers and board members.

The mission of WAFA House is to assist and educate victims of domestic violence by empowering and enriching the family unit while providing a variety of culture sensitive services to victims of domestic violence. Since its inception, WAFA House has served over 125 sisters and brothers and now occupies an office in downtown Paterson, home to one of the largest Arab/South Asian populations in New Jersey. WAFA provides counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals, translation services and a toll free hotline. Additional services include domestic violence workshops, youth education, legal assistance, and vocational support. Although WAFA serves mostly women of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent, its services are provided to all individuals who come for help. Currently, WAFA House is in the process of organizing a mediation committee to help resolve family disputes. This committee will comprise of scholarly brothers/sisters to work with families by facilitating support based on cultural and religious values. Outreach is also provided to non-Muslim community members regarding Islamic values and culture.

WAFA House is currently being funded through direct community support and has received one grant through the Faith Based Initiative under our Youth Committee.

WAFA House has affiliation agreements with the Passaic County Prosecutors Office and with the Legal Services of NJ, based in Edison. In addition, the organization has a memorandum of understanding with the Passaic County Women's Center.

It is the organizations ultimate goal to provide transitional housing that will serve as a safe place for sisters and their children in emergency situations. This safe haven will allow the sisters to feel at ease in practicing their Islamic traditions and cultures.

Collectively, as Muslims, we should always bear in mind the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) teachings," Be kind to women". Also the prophet (PBUH) women have rights as they have responsibilities, and only a kind person will treat women with kindness. (The Last Sermon)