Domestic Violence Survivor Campaigns To Expand Muslim Shelters Across the US
Malika MacDonald, a domestic violence survivor, overcame several abusers over the course of her life.
MacDonald had been on her own since she was 15.
She married her abuser when she was only 18.
Her then-husband, who was addicted to crack cocaine, threatened to kill her and their two young children.
She fled her home one night in 1986 and slept in her car.
Today, MacDonald helps other women who have gone through similar experiences as national director of the Islamic Circle of America’s transitional housing network.
She saw a need for culturally sensitive shelters and services specific to Muslim women.
MacDonald said lack of accessibility to clean prayer areas, halal food, and at times even the violence at traditional shelters were reasons for creating a Muslim-only transitional home.
ICNA’s first transitional home opened in New York City in 2008.
Since then, the organization has opened more than 20 transitional homes nationwide.
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