WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT NISA HOMES?

A CASE STUDY OF COMMUNITYBASED SHELTERS IN CANADA

Abstract

While domestic violence occurs in all

communities, and across all race and class

lines, this study examines the barriers

Muslim women face when accessing the

Mainstream Canadian shelter system. It also

presents a case study of Nisa homes, a

community-based shelter for Muslim

women, highlighting how it facilitates access

and impacts women’s lives and wellbeing.

This study employed qualitative tools, and is

based on key informant interviews and focus

group discussion with Nisa Homes staff and

residents. The study identifies gaps in the

Canadian shelter system, and underscores

how barriers could be overcome by exploring

innovative ways in which Nisa