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creating awareness...effecting change |
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Family Violence exists in every community and in every culture but only recently have we as a society resolved to confront the reality of family violence and sexual assault and its long term repercussions on families. The Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence actively promotes community education and awareness by organizing instructive forums presented by renowned world experts as well as educational initiatives utilizing creative tools such as theatre and the arts.
The Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence was formed 13 years ago as a response to the silent cries of victims of family violence right here in our community. The Taskforce committee is comprised of professionals from legal, educational, social work, psychology, media and medical backgrounds who work as a cohesive team to bring awareness and understanding of this sensitive and painful social issue and to reduce the shame and stigma that is often associated with it.
The Taskforce works closely with the Rabbinate, Jewish Day Schools, Jewish Care and mainstream service providers including the Police. We offer support, information and referrals to those members of the Jewish community who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances as a result of family violence and sexual assault.
The Taskforce has moved forward and taken the next step in providing a practical and safe means of support to victims of violence. The launch of the Jewish anonymous support line is a venture of which we are very proud.
An anonymous support line is a safe and confidential service which allows a vulnerable member of our community the opportunity to reach out for help and understanding without the fear of repercussions. Too often victims of family violence are either afraid or ashamed to admit their “terrible secret” to people they know. “Anonymity allows her to reach out for help when under other circumstances she would not do so.” Debbie Gross, Founder and Director of the Crisis Centre for Women in Jerusalem. The intention of the phone line is to eventually empower callers to find solutions to their problems.
Our experience over the last 13 years working in the community has shown us that it is essential that a culturally sensitive and Jewish specific response be available to all Jewish women and children from all sectors of the community. Our aim is to provide an empathetic and compassionate ear at the other end of the line and when necessary, appropriate referrals to professionals who can deal with these issues from a Jewish sensitive perspective.
The help line is staffed by 21 highly trained responders who represent the broad spectrum of our very diverse community.
The Taskforce has received overwhelming acknowledgement and validation for this essential initiative from the rabbinate, Jewish and mainstream professional service providers as well as individual members of the community.
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About The Jewish Taskforce |
