Al-Qalam 
Pictured: Cowies Hill Home
By Azra Hoosen
For years, Ayesha (36), a mother of three, endured physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse, believing she had to stay in the marriage for the sake of her children. After seeing their mother often crying, they urged her to leave – and she did.
Ayesha (not her real name) sought refuge at Durban’s Kenilworth Respite Centre to escape her painful life. Months later, she felt she was strong enough to leave the Centre after finding employment and her own home to rebuild her life.
Ayesha’s story is one of many that reflect the quiet but vital work being done at the Kenilworth Respite Centre Trust, where women and children escaping domestic violence are given not only refuge, but the opportunity to begin afresh.
KRC was established after years of experience gained by professionals, volunteers and spiritual leaders working with survivors of domestic violence. Guided by an Islamic ethos of compassion, dignity and service, the organisation was created in response to a growing need for a place where women could find safety, recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
The head and primary social worker at KRC, Sabera Timol, told Al-Qalam that they wanted to create a place that offers comprehensive care. “Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It is a social illness that affects the affluent, professionals and low-income families alike,” she said
Timol explained that a needs assessment in KwaZulu-Natal found that women leaving abusive relationships often required more than emergency accommodation. They needed temporary care, counselling and practical support to develop the confidence and skills necessary to regain their independence and, where possible, reintegrate into their families and communities.
The centre also recognises that domestic violence extends far beyond physical assault.
Women often experience emotional manipulation, verbal humiliation, financial control and psychological abuse. Increasingly, substance abuse and the influence of social media have become contributing factors in family conflict.
Timol emphasised that children are often the overlooked victims: “The trauma experienced by children frequently goes unnoticed, yet they are often the primary and secondary victims of domestic violence.”
Despite the abuse, leaving is seldom straightforward. Many women remain because of financial dependence, low self-esteem, concern for their children, limited family support or fear of stigma within their communities. Abusive relationships often follow a cycle of escalating tension, violence and remorse, making it difficult for victims to leave permanently.
Where appropriate and only when it is safe to do so, the centre facilitates family reconciliation through counselling. In other cases, the focus is on helping women regain their independence.
Timol noted that the centre has witnessed many lives transformed. One woman, who sought refuge with her young daughter after years of domestic violence and instability, rebuilt her beauty business during her stay at the centre. Through counselling and budgeting support, she regained financial independence while restoring fractured family relationships.
In another case, a young mother who had repeatedly left and returned to her marital home because of ongoing conflict with her in-laws found stability through counselling, legal support and mediation. After her husband secured employment and separate accommodation, the family reunited in healthier circumstances, while she enrolled to study nursing.
Beyond assisting survivors of domestic violence, the organisation has expanded its work to include long-term accommodation for elderly women experiencing neglect or abuse within their own families. A residence in Cowies Hill provides older women with a safe environment where they live independently while supporting one another.
Timol believes faith should be part of the solution, not a reason for women to remain trapped. She encourages women to seek knowledge and remember that injustice has no place in Islam. “Islam honours women with dignity. We need to educate ourselves, learn from the examples of the women of Jannah and stand together against injustice,” she said.
For those witnessing domestic violence, Timol’s message is equally clear: “If you know someone experiencing domestic violence, reach out. Give them the number of an organisation that can help. Reassure them that they are not alone.”
For women experiencing abuse, or for anyone seeking assistance on behalf of a family member or friend, or who would like to provide support, the Kenilworth Respite Centre Trust can be contacted on 031 207 6483, or by email at socialworker@kenilworthrc.org.za.
