Executive Summary

Using community intelligence and an holistic understanding of the needs of local Muslim communities, Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network’ decided that an innovative, targeted response to the lack of
awareness of domestic violence and abuse amongst men was required. Their response comprised the development of a culturally competent, gender appropriate training programme alongside a set of resources aimed at men, and in particular men in the positions of faith community and wider community leadership. The resources were developed and checked with professionals working in the field of domestic abuse and violence.

This report provides an overview of the pilot activity including the training programme, resource materials and strategies used to target potential participants. The report provides an analysis of the strengths, limitations and areas for development and makes recommendations for Muslim Women’s
Network in continuing and expanding on their work around domestic abuse and violence with male faith and community leaders. After evaluating the programme and resources and assessing the training
participants and gathering their feedback, it is clear that the programme not only proved a success but that, if following the recommendations of the report the Network, alongside appropriate agencies will be able to replicate these training and development opportunities in other parts of the Midlands and, indeed, across the UK.

Overview of the Report

• Background & Purpose: NMWN developed a culturally competent, gender-appropriate training program to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse among male faith and community leaders (primarily within local Muslim communities).

• Funding & Delivery: The pilot was delivered between April and October 2016. It received £9,930 in funding from the Big Lottery Fund England, with NMWN contributing £1,750 of in-kind coordinator time.

• Target Audience & Structure: The training was delivered in both weekday and weekend whole-day sessions at neutral and faith-based venues to maximize accessibility. The delivery team comprised a lay male facilitator, a lay female facilitator, and a male Imam to provide direct lived experience and theological authority.

• Key Findings:

  • All 16 evaluation respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the training improved their understanding of domestic abuse and enabled them to work more effectively with survivors or families.

  • Participants highlighted the value of interactive Q&A sessions, Islamic theological perspectives, and relevant case studies.

  • Some challenges arose around community gatekeeping—specifically non-cooperation from local radio and mosque steering group management—and low initial turnout.

Key Recommendations

1. Expand Community Engagement Time: Allow more time for pre-course outreach with individual Imams, community leaders, and mosque management committees to reassure them, address misconceptions, and build trust before training begins.

2. Increase Discussion Time: Allow longer or additional sessions (such as an optional 1–2 hour add-on) so participants can engage in deeper, open dialogue without running over time.

3. Capacity Building & Language Options: Train and support Imams to co-facilitate future sessions, demonstrating leadership by example. Offer future sessions in other languages, such as Urdu, to broaden reach.

4. Actionable Resources & “Train the Trainers”: Develop practical materials (such as sermon guides on domestic abuse) and establish a “Train the Trainers” model to replicate the program in other parts of the UK.

5. Strengthen Commitment Tracking: Make pledge completion a core element of the course and establish a system to follow up on participant commitments after the training.