Alex Davies-Jones MP (Credit: Liz Isles Photography)[Missing Credit]
Davies-Jones, who wore a yellow ribbon to show solidarity with the hostages still held in Gaza, said that she had concluded that “the denial, disinformation and disbelief surrounding Hamas' atrocities stems directly from the nationality of the victims”.
Acknowledging that Jewish Women’s Aid had been almost the only women’s organisation to have spoken out against the abuse perpetrated against women and girls on October 7 and later on women held hostage, the MP said: “This is, of course, devastating to the community, and will have, and has had repercussions for the Jewish victims here in the United Kingdom. I want you to know that I believe you, and I will always believe you. I will stand up for the victims and survivors of any race, religion or culture.”
Receiving a standing ovation for her speech, the minster revealed that her maternal grandmother had changed her name from the Jewish-sounding “Mordechai” to “Mort” when she had moved from London to South Wales to avoid antisemitism.
Alex Davies-Jones MP (left) with JWA CEO Sam Clifford (Photo: Liz Isles Photography)[Missing Credit]
She added: “I always have been and always will be a strong ally to the Jewish community and to Jewish Women's Aid. This organisation brings together two of the most devastating issues that urgently need tackling in our society today. Antisemitism and violence against women and girls both have an endemic impact on survivors up and down the country and around the world.
“Jewish women face unique barriers, cultural stigma, community pressures, and recently, sadly, rising antisemitism. I have proudly seen first-hand the incredible work that JWA does.”
Former Emmerdale actress Louisa Clein shared the story of a JWA client, who had met her husband at a Jewish Society event and ended up in an abusive relationship with him.
JWA is continuing to support the mother through post-separation abuse and Family Court proceedings.
Actress Louisa Clein (Credit Liz Isles Photography)[Missing Credit]
“JWA helped my children heal. We are all beginning to heal,” said Clein, using the words of the JWA. Client.
JWA CEO Sam Clifford led an interactive demonstration on the “Ripple Effect” of domestic abuse.
Using a ribbon to connect participants, she said: “Domestic abuse spreads through families, friendships, workplaces, schools, synagogues, and communities. It impacts people in ways they may not even realise.
“When a woman comes to JWA, she receives our comprehensive package of support and we see before our very eyes that when intervention happens, the ripples change.”
The event marked the first time JWA’s new chair had addressed supporters. “This museum is a powerful reminder of the importance of care and community. It was created to protect vulnerable children, values that align perfectly with JWA’s mission.”
To launch their "Ripple Effect" campaign, JWA CEO Sam Clifford leads an interactive ribbon activity with guests (Credit: Liz Isles Photography) [Missing Credit]
Last December, JWA announced that they had seen a 24 per cent increase in clients, a 9 per cent rise in children being supported by them and a 64 per cent surge in sexual violence cases.
JWA is the UK’s only specialist service for Jewish women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, offering support, outreach, education, and prevention initiatives.
Across the UK, one in four women experience abuse, one in five face sexual assault, and domestic violence accounts for 18 per cent of all violent crime, according to JWA.
On average, women endure abuse for four years before seeking help. JWA said that Jewish women waited, on average, nearly 10 years.
For support, please contact: Jewish Women’s Aid Helpline: 0808 801 0500.
