In July 2006, a group of social workers gave a survey to Muslim women at a Western New York community event. The survey uncovered many concerns about domestic violence (DV). As a result, RAHAMA was created to fill the gap in services provided for DV Survivors in Western NY. While we partner extensively with other service providers, no other agency is able to serve Muslim women and others from isolated immigrant groups like RAHAMA.

RAHAMA started as a grassroots organization to spread awareness about DV and educate on the rights of Muslim women to social service and law enforcement agencies that often see DV cases. RAHAMA wanted to ensure culturally appropriate emotional and spiritual support for DV Survivors.

In 2016, RAHAMA officially became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Our staff and volunteers continue to provide education to the community as well as trauma-informed counseling and case management to DV Survivors. RAHAMA has further broadened its mission to provide discrete transitional housing services and English language services to women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and experiencing poverty.