It was a bad experience in a hospital emergency room in New Jersey that inspired Sa’idah Sudan to open the first and only Muslim domestic violence shelter in the Carolinas.

“There was a Muslim woman that came into the ER,” Sudan told Blue Ridge Public Radio.

“I didn’t recognize her because of how badly beaten she was. But she knew me. She was actually a friend of mine. From that point, I was trying to figure out what can I do to help Muslim and immigrant women in terms of domestic violence.”

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After the terrible experience, Sudan opened Baitul Hemaya domestic violence shelter in 2019 in Charlotte with the fundraising support from Penny Appeal USA.

The home has three bedrooms, a handicap-accessible bathroom, kitchen, living room, and conference room. Family members take turns cooking and cleaning.

In addition to food and housing, the Baitul Hemaya shelter staff provides training, counseling, and protective and psychiatric services for women.

“The shelter is a Muslim-led organization, but everyone and anyone is allowed to come here,” said Sudan.

“If you have been abused or have been a victim we are here to help you. The goal behind the shelter is to make it easier for Muslims and immigrant women who are stagnated. They don’t know where to go. The shelter is equipped with prayer rugs, Quran for women to read.”

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