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Jewish women wait two years longer than national average before reporting abuse
Jewish Women’s Aid said women suffering from abuse wait 11 years before reporting it
November 27, 2018 15:56
Jewish Women’s Aid said women suffering from abuse wait 11 years before reporting it
November 27, 2018 15:56Jewish victims of domestic violence wait two years longer than the national average before seeking help, according to a leading women's charity.
Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) said women suffering from abuse wait at least 11.5 years before reporting it. According to the latest figures from Women’s Aid victims wait an average of nine years.
Naomi Dickson, chief executive of JWA, called the news "really shocking".
She said it was partly eplained by the “high expectations” the community places on family life.
“We are a family orientated religion and sometimes there can be a pressure of sticking together," she said.
"There is also a shame attached to a family separating or falling apart so maybe that makes women feel they need to stick it out.”
The figures were announced ahead of the UN’s International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on Sunday.
Mrs Dickson said: “We always thought Jewish women waited longer, perhaps because there is a fear about what happens when they make the call and report it or ask for help.
“Taking that step is frightening and it is just part one of the journey but it is the most important part.”
She said it was important for communal institutions such as synagogues to make it clear that women can come to them for support.
“We’re hoping that by raising awareness, more women will feel able to come to us for help and not suffer for so long.
“Having the Board of Deputies, Jewish communal organisations, all the major synagogue movements and rabbis across the community supporting our IDEVAW campaign makes a huge difference.”
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who serves as JWA’s patron, is among those who have spoken out in support of the charity.
On a video he posted to Twitter, Rabbi Mirvis said: “Our Jewish community is not immune to the ills of our society. Unfortunately what that means is that in the area of violence against women and girls, Jewish people are affected, as are so many within our society.
“I would categorise the work of JWA as nothing less than pikuach nefesh, the saving of precious lives.”
He called on people within the community to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and signpost women in need to JWA’s services.
Mrs Dickson said: “We want rabbis across the religious movements to make sure women in their shuls know it is a safe place for them to speak out and ask for help.
“And JWA can help with that. If communities are unsure or want help then we will come and train them on how to support the women in their communities.”
As part of IDEVAW, the charity is running events around the country to raise awareness about domestic violence.
On Tuesday, it held a discussion panel at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, with Greater Manchester Police, Salford Women’s Domestic Abuse Service.
In Leeds, on December 6, JWA is hosting an evening discussion at the MAZCC Centre with domestic violence specialists and South Yorkshire Police.
