Feelings of shame and humiliation are preventing women in the Jewish community from reporting domestic abuse, according to Naomi Dickson, chief executive of Jewish Women’s Aid.
Speaking during a debate at the House of Commons, hosted by JWA and the Board of Deputies, Ms Dickson said: “There is nothing in Jewish religious text that condones domestic violence. Yet there is a shame and lack of access to services for women in our community which stops them coming forward.”
The debate, held on International Women’s Day on Wednesday, focused on whether faith communities help or hinder domestic abuse victims.
Jane Garvey, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, hosted the discussion, with speakers including Alison Saunders, Director of Public prosecutions, Shaista Gohir, chair of the Muslim Women’s Network, and Eilidh Whiteford, SNP MP for Banff and Buchan.
