Arman Abrahimzadeh
Arman Abrahimzadeh | |
|---|---|
| Born | Iran |
| Occupation(s) | Advocate against domestic violence, designer, construction professional |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Known for | Co-founder of Zahra Foundation Australia, domestic violence advocacy |
Arman Abrahimzadeh is an Australian advocate against domestic violence of Iranian-Afghan heritage, residing in Adelaide, South Australia. He is also a co-founder of Zahra Foundation Australia.
Biography
Abrahimzadeh and his family relocated to Australia from Iran in 1997. Together with his mother Zahra and sisters Atena and Anita, they experienced domestic abuse inflicted by their father, Ziaolleh.[1]
In 2009, the family escaped their residence and found shelter in domestic violence refuges. After enduring a year marked by harassment and stalking, on 21 March 2010, during the Persian New Year festivities at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Ziaolleh fatally attacked Zahra in front of a large audience.[2]
Advocacy
In 2015, Abrahimzadeh, along with his sisters, established Zahra Foundation Australia to assist survivors of domestic violence—including those affected by Indigenous family violence—and to foster economic independence.[3]
He has contributed to shaping policies and laws addressing domestic violence within South Australia and is a frequent presenter at conferences on family violence and gender equality. His involvement extends to multiple non-profit organizations dedicated to this cause.[1]
Abrahimzadeh has been featured on ABC Television's current affairs program 7.30 and holds ambassadorial roles for both the White Ribbon Campaign in Australia and Our Watch.[4]
Recognition
His accolades include being honored as the 2015 Allan Sloane Young Citizen of The Year, the 2016 Young Australian of the Year representing South Australia, and the City of Charles Sturt Young Citizen of The Year in 2017. In June 2018, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Other roles
Previously representing Australia in taekwondo, Abrahimzadeh also pursues a career in design and construction.
Awards
| Association | Awards | Year | Results |
| SISA | Allan Sloane Young Citizen of the Year | 2015 | Template:Won |
| Government honours | Young Australian of the Year for South Australia | 2016 | Template:Won |
| City of Charles Sturt | Young Citizen of the Year | 2017 | Template:Won |
Legacy of Zahra's death
Following the coronial investigation into Zahra’s homicide, the Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service (WDVCAS) was launched in July 2015. Initially financed through the victims of crime levy, this service offers legal guidance, support, information, and representation concerning intervention orders. It operates through Victim Support Services located in Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, and Berri. The WDVCAS earned the 2021 Law Society of South Australia Justice Award and remains active.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedsbs.com.au - ↑ Fewster, Sean (6 July 2014). "SA Police lashed by coroner over actions before murder of Zahra Abrahimzadeh". The Advertiser. South Australia.
- ↑ "Zahra Foundation Australia - Supporting women and children facing domestic and Aboriginal Family Violence to create economic opportunities". zahrafoundation.org.au.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedaustralianoftheyear.org.au