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Sandra Elhelw explores how Australian Muslim women navigate violence, showing that there is a disconnect between their experiences and the systems designed to support them. Domestic and family violence (DFV) systems do not speak the language of Australian Muslim women, do not exist in the spaces where they live, and do not engage the actors they are most likely to disclose to. These deficiencies are symptoms of a DFV system that lacks engagement with the cultural and faith-based elements of their experiences.  

DFV research and policy increasingly uses intersectionality as a guiding framework. Scholars warn however, that its contemporary application overlooks structural deficiencies. This research adds weight to these criticisms and further queries the capacity of intersectionality to yield intersectional outcomes in practice for Australian Muslim women. Sandra argues that intersectionality is inadequate as an all-encompassing framework, and proper application of its structural elements requires engagement with other analytic tools – especially multiculturalism. 

This seminar is Sandra’s final presentation of her doctoral candidature.

ºÚÁÏÌìÌà the speaker

is a doctoral candidate at the Australian National University researching Australian Muslim women’s experiences of violence. She is also the Director of Community Development at Multicultural NSW, leading a division that builds trusted relationships with communities and a sense of belonging. 

Sandra was previously the CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia, representing over 130 organisations that work with migrants and refugees to build a new life in Australia. She has been a trusted advisor on over 20 boards and advisory councils. Currently, she serves as a Board Member of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations, and member of the SBS Community Advisory Committee.

COVID protocols

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This seminar presentation is a dual-delivery event. Registration is not required for in-person attendance as neither the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃnor ACT Health conduct contact tracing.

If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email regnet.communications@anu.edu.au.

Image credit: ‘Silence; Ogyris amaryllis’ - artwork of a woman leaning back on a sofa, making a ‘shush’ silencing gesture, by the artist , used with permission.