Recognising and Preventing Violence Against Women.

Frank Whittle Building, Coventry University. 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM, 10th November 2025. To register for the conference, email warwick@faithinsociety.org.uk

Misinterpretation of religious teachings has historically been used both by perpetrators to justify violence against women and girls, and by victims as a reason to avoid seeking external support (“It is God’s will”). Some religious leaders have been ill prepared to recognise the signs of domestic violence in their congregations and to respond correctly, sometimes preferring to disregard the issue. Police, social workers and professional domestic violence support providers may be unfamiliar with the religious dimension, and therefore less able to offer appropriate support.

This evening conference will explore the issue of domestic violence as experienced by women and girls from faith communities. It willhelp those attending to understand the issue better, whatever their background or professional interest. Speakers will include practitioners, academics and religious leaders. United Religions

Initiative UK plans to draw on the report of the conference to design a ‘domestic violence toolkit’ for use by religious and community leaders, initially in the West Midlands. The conference is a collaboration between registered charity United Religions Initiative UK and the Centre for Peace and Security at

Coventry University, and is being held to coincide with national Inter Faith Week.

Geneva Blackmer, Global Council Trustee for URI North America.

Geneva Blackmer has served as a Global Council Trustee for the United Religions Initiative (URI) North America since 2020. She brings extensive experience in grassroots interreligious and ecumenical collaboration, working with numerous interfaith organisations across North America and engaging in international cooperation. Currently a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Divinity and the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, her work explores structured interreligious encounter and approaches to anti-discrimination. Her published research and writing focus on digital religion, interreligious education, and church history.

Cllr Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader and Faith Lead, Coventry City Council.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Faith Lead for Coventry City Council (Labour, Foleshill), champions equality, cohesion, and community engagement through the “One Coventry” approach. He influences strategic decisions, collaborating with faith groups and residents to foster inclusion and wellbeing. A dedicated councillor, he shapes policy, scrutinises services, and advocates for neighbourhood needs, building trust and advancing Coventry’s future.

Professor Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor, URI UK Trustee.

Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor is Associate Professor in the Sociology of Islam at Coventry University’s Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations. She chaired the Muslims in Britain Research Network (2020–2023) and edits the Review of Social and Scientific Study of Religion. A feminist sociologist, her work uses collaborative methods to foreground power dynamics in knowledge production and amplify lesser-heard voices. She draws on feminist, pragmatist and decolonising methodologies. Publications include Muslim Women in Britain (2012), Religion or Belief, Discrimination and Equality (2013), Islamic Education in Britain (2015), Digital Methodologies (2015), and Islam on Campus (2020).

Dr. Jyoti Shah, MBE, URI UK Patron.

Jyoti Shah MBE, a Macmillan consultant urological surgeon and devout Jain, integrates nonviolence and compassion into 25+ years in the NHS. Specialising in prostate cancer, she founded “Fighting Prostate Cancer,” delivering free community screenings in venues including places of worship, screening 3,000+ men and detecting 100+ cancers. She also educates communities, including multilingual COVID-19 webinars.

Huda Jawad, Executive Director of the Faith and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Coalition.

Huda Jawad leads efforts to address violence against women and girls within faith communities. The Coalition works to challenge harmful practices, advocate for survivors, and promote theological interpretations that support gender equality and safety—their work bridges faith-based understanding with practical support for those affected by VAWG.

Dr Romina Istratii, Director, Institute of Domestic Violence, Religion and Migration.

Dr Romina Istratii, Director of the Institute of Domestic Violence, Religion, and Migration, advances “Project Bridge,” a culturally grounded model that links survivors, faith leaders, and services. Drawing lessons from Ethiopia and the UK, it builds trust, aligns safeguarding with religious worldviews, and strengthens coordinated, survivor‑centred responses through training, community mediation, and evidence-based practice to reduce harm and improve outcomes.

Imam Abdullah Hasan, founder of Imams Against Domestic Abuse.

Imam Abdullah Hasan is a leading voice in preventing domestic violence within UK Muslim communities. He works to challenge harmful cultural norms, educate religious leaders, and develop faith-sensitive interventions. His approach focuses on providing theological guidance, engaging with the community, and implementing collaborative strategies to create safe environments and support survivors.

Pastor Veronica Simpson, former Director of Back in Control Consultancy (BiCC), URI UK Patron.

Pastor Simpson is a specialist in safeguarding and domestic abuse within faith settings. She delivers IDVA-accredited, faith‑sensitive training, advocacy and survivor support, partners with faith forums, and leads Faiths Against Domestic Abuse to equip leaders, challenge norms, and strengthen safeguarding responses.

Deepak Naik MBE, URI UK Chair.

Deepak Naik MBE is a veteran community leader with 40+ years’ experience in interfaith engagement, social cohesion, and international collaboration. As the Chair of URI UK and a longtime member of the URI Europe board, he directs Together in Action, building on the legacy of MoE to empower youth, strengthen communities, and foster harmony across cultures and beliefs in the UK and beyond.

Envisioning Interfaith Together

Please note change of Venue: 5 West Avenue, Coventry, CV2 4DG. 10.30 am – 4.30 pm, Thursday 13th Novmber 2025.

At URI UK, we believe in the power of Cooperation Circles to inspire change and foster understanding among diverse faith communities, creating spaces where individuals come together with a shared purpose and vision. These circles serve as dynamic hubs for dialogue, collaboration, and action, encouraging members to explore their beliefs while respecting the traditions of others.

Through meaningful engagement and creative initiatives, we foster a spirit of inclusivity, empowering communities to work hand-in-hand towards a shared goal of peace and mutual respect. Join us in this transformative journey as we envision interfaith harmony and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our rich cultural heritage.

Annual Younghusband Lecture

Shri Ventateshwara (Balaji) Temple. Dudley Rd East, Tividale, Oldbury.

At URI UK, we believe in the power of Cooperation Circles to inspire change and foster understanding among diverse faith communities, creating spaces where individuals come together with a shared purpose and vision. These circles serve as dynamic hubs for dialogue, collaboration, and action, encouraging members to explore their beliefs while respecting the traditions of others.

Through meaningful engagement and creative initiatives, we foster a spirit of inclusivity, empowering communities to work hand-in-hand towards a shared goal of peace and mutual respect. Join us in this transformative journey as we envision interfaith harmony and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our rich cultural heritage.

Interfaith Leadership Retreat for Young Adults

ASHA Centre, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

An exclusive retreat for twenty young men and women, aged 18 to 30, will be held from 17th to 21st November 2025 at the ASHA Centre in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. This program is specifically designed for individuals identified as having significant potential to become future leaders within the UK’s interfaith movement.

The retreat curriculum will encompass a range of activities, including mindfulness and contemplative practices, alongside engaging team-building exercises. A core component will be comprehensive training in effective interfaith dialogue and the principles of multi-faith social action. A particular focus day will be dedicated to collaboratively designing multi-faith approaches to tackle the pressing issue of violence against children and young people.

Prospective participants should be available for the entire duration of the retreat, demonstrate a strong commitment to interfaith engagement, and be willing to collaborate equally with individuals from all religious and cultural backgrounds. Participation, including full accommodation, will be provided free of charge. We respectfully request that the British Muslim Network (BMN) or individual mosques assist with participants’ travel expenses.

Attend workshops designed to educate and inspire, promoting awareness and appreciation of different faiths.