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ICV Islamophobia Support Service

Islamophobia Support is a free community service dedicated to providing holistic support to the wider Victorian Muslim community who have been impacted by Islamophobia. We are committed to providing individualised support that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by the community as our mission is driven by the theory of change and outcomes framework. We focus on providing individual support, developing opportunities for education and empowerment, and strengthen collaboration with organisations and communities to improve support available for Victorian Muslims.

  • SUPPORT & EDUCATION

     
    Information about our Islamophobia Support Referral Network, community resources, Position Statement, and links to relevant research.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The ICV has agreements with all the following referral psychologists and counsellors to ensure their professional and cultural competence. All listed psychologists and counsellors are registered with, and regulated by associations which commit them to ethical, honest, safe and fair services. They have all provided information to the ICV to demonstrate their qualifications, registrations, memberships and ability to provide culturally appropriate services.

 

Please contact us if you would like to learn more about the psychologists, counsellors or services below.

 

PSYCHOLOGISTS

 

DR ESMA KURT

Esma is a clinical psychologist experienced with providing psychological assessment, intervention and support to children, adolescents and adults. She can provide culturally sensitive services for members of the community who may have experienced (or witnessed) racism, discrimination, bullying or Islamophobia, and require support in dealing with fear, anxiety and trauma. Esma is qualified to provide Eye Movement & Desensitisation Processing therapy.

  • Services available in Turkish
  • Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan will be eligible for a rebate through Medicare
  • Psychology Board of Australia Member, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Member and Muslim Mental Health Professionals Member

 

  • Mind Care Consulting

Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Telehealth available
176 Blair Street, Broadmeadows 3047
03 9052 4431
www.mindcareconsulting.com.au

 

LUBNA ATIF

Lubna is a psychologist experienced with supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety and coping. She offers evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention including: Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Interpersonal and Emotion-Focused therapy.

  • Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan will be eligible for a rebate through Medicare
  • Private health insurance may also cover the cost of counselling sessions
  • Support available to clients on Workcover
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Member and Islamicare Member

 

MyClinic Tarneit

Telehealth and video consults available
412 Derrimut Road, Tarneit 3029
03 8742 2088

 

MONIQUE TOOHEY

Monique is a principal psychologist experienced with supporting young people, parents and adults who are experiencing fears, anxiety and trauma resulting from racist bullying, violent incidents of Islamophobia and general anxiety arising from non-specific incidents of Islamophobia. She is fluent in the use of the following therapies with clients from culturally and faith diverse backgrounds: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Strength-based therapy, Schema therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Boundaries therapy. Monique’s specialisations include mental health, trauma and intimate partner abuse.

  • Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan will be eligible for a rebate through Medicare
  • Private health insurance may also cover the cost of counselling sessions
  • Support available to clients on Workcover arising from workplace bullying, including workplace bullying involving racism, sexual harassment and discrimination
  • Psychology Board of Australia Member and Muslim Mental Health Professionals Member

 

Nasihah Consulting Group – Northern Psychology Clinic

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (every third Saturday of the month)
Zoom and Telehealth available
03 9351 1166
www.nasihahconsulting.com

 

NURAY OKCUM

Nuray is a psychologist experienced with supporting children and adults with anxiety, depression and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is specialised in community psychology.

  • Services available in Turkish
  • Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan will be eligible for a rebate through Medicare
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Member, Australian Psychological Society Member and Muslim Mental Health Professionals Member

 

Family Health Medical Centre

Monday to Friday, 5:30pm to 8:00pm, and Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm
Telehealth available
180 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn 3064
03 9016 9706
nur.okcum@gmail.com

 

SUNDAS REHMAN

Sundas is a psychologist experienced with providing evidence-based services to young children, adolescents and adults experiencing a diverse range of issues including: conflict, family difficulties, adjusting to a new culture, anxiety, anger management, stress, grief, depression and friendship issues.

  • Services available in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi
  • Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan will be eligible for a rebate through Medicare
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Member, Australian Psychological Society Member and Muslim Mental Health Professionals Member

 

Futures in Mind

Monday and Tuesday
Telehealth available
525 Princes Highway, Narre Warren 3805
03 9796 2771
www.futuresinmind.com.au

 

Jigsaw Psychology

Friday only
Telehealth available
6/7 Hopetoun Road, Park Orchards 3114
03 8657 8626
www.jigsawpsycholgy.com.au

 

AREEBA SADIQ

Areeba is a provisionally registered psychologist, who has completed cultural intelligence training and has experience supporting the wider Muslim community.

  • Services available in English, Hindi and Urdu
  • Clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan will not be eligible for a rebate through Medicare (fees are at a subsidised rate)
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Member

Hopscotch and Harmony

1/167-179 Shaws Road, Werribee 3030
03 9741 5222
92 Roslyn Road, Belmont 3216
03 5241 6462
www.hopscotchandharmony.com.au

 

COUNSELLORS

 

AMIRAH SHAH

Amirah is an experienced counsellor with training in cultural and spiritual competencies. She is specialised in supporting grief, trauma and existential crises. Amirah has a Masters of Counselling and is particularly interested in cross-cultural supports for Muslim communities.

  • Clients with a private health insurance will be eligible for a rebate
  • Australian Counselling Association Member, Level 4

 

Road to Recovery

Virtual consultations
0413 290 135
roadtorecovery12@gmail.com
www.aroad2recovery.com

 

ROOHI AHMAD

Roohi offers caring and compassionate counselling for individuals, couples and families. She is specialised in providing support with mental health, anxiety, stress, self-worth, and concerns with relationships and parenting. Roohi is qualified in general counselling, couples therapy, child development and family therapy, and is presently studying a Bachelor of Psychology.

  • Services available in English, Hindi and Urdu
  • Clients with a private health insurance will be eligible for a rebate
  • Australian Counselling Association Member, Level 2

 

Connect with Counselling

Virtual consultations or in-person
Suite 25, Level 1, 202 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill 3150
0481 882 042
admin@connectwithcounselling.com.au
https://connectwithcounselling.com.au

 

OTHER SERVICES

Although the ICV does not have agreements in place with the following practitioners or services, they have all offered to provide support and services to the community.

 

CENTRE FOR MUSLIM WELLBEING

The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing (CMW) aims to increase the wellbeing of Muslim communities, through focusing on prevention and early intervention, raising awareness around the issues of mental health and social isolation within community and ensuring community members have the support they need before they get to crisis. CMW has compiled a database of culturally responsive mental health practitioners and services that meet the needs of multicultural communities, including psychologists, counsellors, social workers and other health professionals. The list includes practitioners and services that are bilingual, offer telehealth, accept mental health treatment plans, have cultural intelligence (CQ) training and are all registered with their relevant health regulatory body. Access the database HERE.

 

CMW’s team also includes a “navigator,” someone who community members can call with questions and/or seek support in navigating the service system. This person will answer questions from community members and refer individuals onto the appropriate and accredited services when required.

 

CMW

0472 668 010
admin@cmw.org.au
https://cmw.org.au

 

ROSE BOGARTS

Rose is a counsellor with extensive experience with providing culturally and linguistically diverse communities. She is able to support children, adolescents and adults with support, advocacy, case management and education.

 

Virtual Consultations

Evenings and Thursday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Zoom and Microsoft Teams available
0423 318 092

 

DEAN MOUSAD

Dean is a counsellor and mentor who specialises in supporting young people, parents and adults who are experiencing anxiety and trauma. He is experienced in supporting culturally and faith diverse clients with the following therapies: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Based Therapy, and Strength-Based Therapy.

  • Australian Counselling Association Member

 

Virtual Consultations

0450 155 543
contact@invictussolutions.com.au
https://invictussolutions.com.au

 

DR YAMAN ABUZINADAH

Yamam is a counsellor and mental health educator experienced with providing services to support multicultural clients across different areas including family relationships, and mental health recovery and rehabilitation. She has a PhD in mental health, Masters in social health and counselling, and is qualified in wellness coaching, hypnotherapy and mental health instruction.

  • Australian Counselling Association Member and International Institute for Complementary Therapists Member

 

Virtual Consultations

Evenings, 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Skype, Google meet and Zoom available
0432 089 830
www.wellnesscons.com

 

HEADSPACE SUNSHINE

headspace Sunshine offers free or low cost services to people aged 12-25 years, including: mental health support, educational and vocational support, physical health support, and, drug and alcohol support. The practitioners within headspace Sunshine aim to provide services that meets the needs of the culturally diverse communities they support.

  • Mental Health Treatment Plans accepted
  • All headspace Sunshine practitioners are registered with professional associations and accredited in line with national registration standards

 

Visy Cares Hub

Telehealth available
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (or 8:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
80b Harvester Road, Sunshine 3020
03 9927 6222
info-headspacesunshine@orygen.org.au
www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/sunshine/

 

HEADSPACE DANDENONG & NARRE WARREN

headspace Dandenong & Narre Warren offers free or low cost services to people aged 12-25 years. Services are delivered by either psychologists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists or mental health social workers.

  • Some practitioners are bilingual
  • Mental Health Treatment Plans accepted
  • All headspace Dandenong & Narre Warren practitioners are registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

 

headspace Dandenong

Telehealth available
Monday to Friday, and Saturday (alternating)
Suite 1, 66 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren 3805
1800 367 968
headspaceDNWenquiries@each.com.au
www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/narre-warren/

 

headspace Narre Warren

Telehealth available
Monday to Friday, 11:00am to 5:00pm
211 Thomas Street, Dandenong 3175
1800 367 968
headspaceDNWenquiries@each.com.au
www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/dandenong/

 

MERRI HEALTH

Merri Health offers free generalist counselling with a short-term focus. Services are available either in language or with support from an interpreter. Counselling is predominately centre-based. Telehealth and telephone counselling is available. Services are primarily available in Coburg, with limited service to Brunswick, Fawkner and Glenroy centres.

 

Merri Health Coburg

Telehealth available
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
93 Bell Street, Coburg 3058
1300 637 744
www.merrihealth.org.au

 

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Community Flyer English – Islamophobia Support

Information in English about the Islamophobia Support service, how we help and how to connect with us.
Find the resource here.

 

Community Flyer Arabic – Islamophobia Support

Information in Arabic about the Islamophobia Support service, how we help and how to connect with us.
Find the resource here.

 

Community Flyer Turkish – Islamophobia Support

Information in Turkish about the Islamophobia Support service, how we help and how to connect with us.
Find the resource here.

 

Community Flyer Somali – Islamophobia Support

Information in Somali about the Islamophobia Support service, how we help and how to connect with us.
Find the resource here.

 

Community Flyer Urdu – Islamophobia Support

Information in Urdu about the Islamophobia Support service, how we help and how to connect with us.
Find the resource here.

 

Information for Service Providers – Islamophobia Support

Information about who we are, how we help, how we can work together, and how to refer to Islamophobia Support.
Find the resource here.

 

Information Kit for Communities – Islamophobia Support

Information about who we are, what Islamophobia is, experiences and outcomes, and how to connect with us.
Find the resource here.

 

Mental Health Treatment Plan – Islamophobia Support

Information about Mental Health Treatment Plans, including what they are, how to get them, and how to prepare for them.
Find the resource here.

 

Prejudice Motivated Crime – Victoria Police

Information about prejudice motivated crime (including examples of prejudice motivated crime), racial and religious vilification and reporting to Police.
Find the resource here.

 

Making a Statement to Police – Victims of Crime

Information about what happens when you make a statement and how your statement is used.
Find the resource here.

 

Victim Impact Statements Made Easy – Victims of Crime

A form to help young people, and those who support them, prepare a Victim Impact Statement.
Find the resource here.

 

A Victim’s Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System – Victims of Crime

A guide including information about how to get support, the effects of crime, reporting the crime, the police investigation, keeping safe after a crime, the legal process and applying for compensation and financial assistance.
Find the resource here.

 

Online Formal Complaint Form – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

The form to submit a complaint about discrimination, sexual harassment, racial and religious vilification, and victimisation. Please contact Islamophobia Support if you would like help with this form.
Find the resource here.

 

Racism and Religious Rights Hub – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

A hub including information about many topics including race discrimination, racial and religious vilification, right to protection of cultural rights, key statistics, stories and helpful resources.
Find the resource here.

 

There’s No Place for Racism in Victoria Resource Centre – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

A page of links to in-language pages to Get Help, sample social media posts, sample newsletter articles and links to the Commission’s services.
Find the resource here.

 

Racial and Religious Discrimination and Vilification – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Information about racial and religious vilification and discrimination, including examples and information about legal protections and rights.
Find the resource here.

 

Know Your Rights in Employment – Information for Muslim Employees – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Information for Muslim employees about the right to equal treatment, discrimination in employment, victimisation, the positive duty of employers, and how the Commission can help.
Find the resource here.

 

Cultural Diversity in the Workplace – A guide for employers working with Muslim employees – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Information for employer responsibilities, discrimination, the positive duty, cultural information, important religious events, and tips for building positive relationships at work.
Find the resource here.

 

Reducing Racism Hub – Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

This hub hosts a range of digital resources for communities who experience racial or religious discrimination and vilification to access information about their rights and reporting options.
Find the resource here.

 

Information about Reporting to Crime Stoppers – Crime Stoppers Victoria

Information about Crime Stoppers Victoria in English and Arabic.
Find the resource here.

 

Police Complaints Links & Resources – Police Accountability Project

Resources to support you with making a formal complaint about police misconduct.
Find the resources here.

 

Information for Teachers about Racist Bullying – Department of Education and Training & Bully Stoppers

Practical steps for teachers to prevent racist bullying, practical steps to respond to racist bullying and how to support a student who is being racially bullied.
Find the resource here.

 

Information for Students about Racist Bullying – Department of Education and Training & Bully Stoppers

Information for students about the impacts of racist bullying, preventing racist bullying and being an upstander and not a bystander.
Find the resource here.

 

Information for Parents about Racist Bullying – Department of Education and Training & Bully Stoppers

Information for parents about racist bullying and working with your child’s school.
Find the resource here.

 

Preventing Racist Bullying – Planning Tool for Schools – Department of Education and Training & Bully Stoppers

A checklist that outlines the key steps for schools in preventing and responding to racist bullying.
Find the resource here.

 

 

ISLAMOPHOBIA POSITION STATEMENT

 

The Islamic Council of Victoria is deeply committed to advocating for the wellbeing and rights of Victoria Muslims

 

The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) recognises that Islamophobia disrupts socio-cultural harmony and negatively affects the wider Victorian Muslim community.

 

Through our advocacy efforts and Islamophobia Support service, we are committed to responding to Islamophobia, empowering Victorian Muslim communities and promoting social inclusion.

 

To outline our commitment to addressing Islamophobia, we worked with community activists, researchers and friends of the ICV to develop the Islamophobia Position Statement.

 

The Islamophobia Position Statement serves to comprehensively examine the context, contributing factors and consequences of Islamophobia. It also outlines recommendations for collaboratively addressing Islamophobia, and commits the ICV to specific implementation efforts and actions.

 

The ICV sincerely welcomes constructive engagement and future collaboration in response to this Position Statement. Please direct any enquiries or feedback to islamophobiasupport@icv.org.au.

 

The ICV is grateful for the statements of support and endorsement we received at the launch of this Position Statement in July 2020.

 

Read the endorsements HERE.

 

Read the Islamophobia Position Statement HERE.


RESEARCH & REPORTS


AUSTRALIA
Islamophobia in Australia Report I

The Islamophobia in Australia Report I critically analyses Islamophobia and its various manifestations in Australia since 2014.

Find the report here.


Islamophobia in Australia Report II

The Islamophobia in Australia Report II offers a multi-faceted analysis of verified incidents reported to the Islamophobia Register in the two-year period from 2016 to 2017.

Find the report here.


Freedom of Religion: a Focus on Serious Harms July 2020

Produced by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC), this Position Paper examines some research on serious harms experienced by religious communities.

Find the position paper here.


Mapping Social Cohesion: The Scanlon Foundation Surveys 2019

The Scanlon Foundation Mapping Social Cohesion national surveys enable annual tracking of public opinion on social cohesion, immigration and population issues in Australia. Among many things, this report explores attitudes towards specific faith groups.

Find the report here.


Resilient Women Project Report

The Resilient Women Project addresses the complex patterns of Islamophobia and how it shapes prejudice against Muslim women in Victoria.

Find the report here.


Race, Faith and Gender: Converging Discriminations Against Muslim Women in Victoria

The Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights report investigates and documents racism experienced by Victorian Muslim women after the September 11 attacks. It also considers the impacts of such racism, as well as the perceptions of non-Muslims towards Muslims.

Find the report here.


Who Watches the Media? Race-related reporting in Australian mainstream media

This All Together Now report analyses a sample of opinion-based reports in the Australian media and calls for stronger media regulations around race-based reporting.

Find the report here.


Social Commentary and Racism in 2019

All Together Now monitored mainstream Australian media for racialised reporting. Findings indicated that of the media pieces, 57% were negative when discussing race and Muslim women are most often targeted by negatively racialised social commentary.

Find the report here.


INTERNATIONAL
Islamophobia: A Challenge for Us All

This Runnymede Trust report provides a comprehensive explanation of Islamophobia, its consequences throughout society, and sets out recommendations for practical action.

Find the report here.


Islamophobia: Still a Challenge for Us All

The Runnymede Trust report includes recommendations to address Islamophobia, evidence on Islamophobia within social domains and different perspectives on how to understand Islamophobia.

Find the report here.


European Islamophobia Report 2019

The report assesses Islamophobia in Europe in 2019, through 32 separate country reports, and includes specific policy recommendations for civil society and politics.

Find the report here.


Islamophobia Defined: The inquiry into a working definition of Islamophobia

The All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims arrived at a working definition through widespread consultation with parliamentarians, experts, lawyers, community activists and victim-led organisations, to give meaning to the word and nature of Islamophobia.

Find the report here.


CCIF Report 2019: Report of Islamophobia in 2018

The Collectif Contre L’Islamophobie en France (CCIF) report discusses Islamophobic incidents reported to the CCIF service, the evolution of Islamophobia in France between 2003 and 2018, and outlines recommendations for 2019.

Find the report here.


Anti-Muslim Hate Crime 2014

The Muslim Engagement & Development (MEND) submission to the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights 2014 Hate Crime Report contains the details of anti-Muslim hate crimes and incidents across the UK. It also discusses positive developments in the environment for tackling Islamophobia in the UK.

Find the report here.


Submit An Incident Report

HOW WE HELP

 
Information about our community service, how it works, who we partner with, and how to connect with us.

REPORT ISLAMOPHOBIA

 
Information about how to report Islamophobia to our service, why reporting can be important, and our Privacy Policy.