Muslim Women Network

Transforming the Response to Domestic Abuse Consultation (MoJ)

May 2018


Domestic abuse impacts on victims' everyday lives and can have devastating consequences. The Ministry of Justice wants to find out how best to support all of those affected. The government consultation therefore sought views on what steps the government should take to raise awareness, support victims, and ensure perpetrators are stopped. We took into consideration experiences of victims of abuse who contact our national Muslim Women's Network Helpline and responded to the consultation via an online questionnaire. However, we have summarised our responses in the report that can be downloaded above. Some of our key recommendations included: Including spiritual abuse as part of the domestic abuse / coercive control definition Aggravating factors that should be used to increase sentences such as controlling victim though use of spiritual abuse, taking spouse / children abroad and abandoning there after taking away travel documents, threatening to abduct and take children abroad, deliberately not applying for indefinite leave to remain for women who arrive on spousal visas Not limiting financial support for domestic abuse victims who have arrived in the UK on a spousal visa but extending criteria to all victims of domestic abuse who have an insecure immigration status Domestic abuse awareness raising campaigns within BAME communities Funding for speciliast services such as helplines and counselling services catering to the needs of BAME women

Help us to improve social justice and equality for women and girls

Our Supporters

Caroline Nokes MP

Conservative Party

Muslim Women's Network UK ensures that the voices of Muslim women are heard. They are not just a support network but a movement for change. I am proud to work with them.

Jess Phillips MP

Labour Party

MWNUK is courageous because of the uncompromising and fearless positions it sometimes takes when calling out injustice and inequality

Sadiq khan

London Mayor

I am proud to support and champion this fantastic organisation, which is informing policy and transforming lives.

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi

Conservative Party

MWNUK’s authenticity comes from knowledge of lived experiences of Muslim women and girls acquired through their helpline, research and members.

Naz Shah MP

Labour Party

They work tirelessly with passion and commitment to make a difference and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable women and girls in society.