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Challenges
The Foundation faced challenges in helping Burmese women
and children who suffer from both domestic violence and sexual violence.
State agencies and religious institutions do not have clear guidelines
for helping victims, making it unclear if law enforcement can be effective
in combatting domestic abuse. Temporary protection measures include
restraining orders against abusive husbands or fathers, forcing a husband
to pay child support, granting divorces to victims of domestic abuse
and the prosecution of sexual abuse cases. In the past, Burmese Muslim
women, as well community members in the area, were not aware that
domestic violence was a legal offense. In addition, rigid interpretations
of Islamic principles are used to settle disputes or resolve informal
domestic violence problems rather than legal proceedings. In order to
access services and legal assistance, the victim must make an official
complaint as a criminal case at a police station. For undocumented
Muslim women, there is no legal recourse against domestic abuse.
The Foundation staff face many difficulties including threats
from victims’ families and difficulties finding witnesses. Some police
officers are dismissive of violence that occurs within the family or religious
communities. Police officers do not try to stop the disputes or arrest
perpetrators even when warrants are issued, nor do they enforce
protection orders from the court. Therefore, the foundation has to find
safe ways to protect women.

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