In large Jewish communities, agencies employ staff on a full-time basis to protect and educate victims about domestic violence. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}I know the stats, but this fact surprised me. From New York to California, agencies provide programing specific to Jewish youth groups, Orthodox day schools, and a safety net for Orthodox Jewish women in abusive relationships. One city’s professionals engage Jewish clergy and lay staff in learning sessions and discussions about the impact of abuse and the importance of implementing policies that proactively “build institutional capacity.” Project S.A.R.A.H. spans the state of New Jersey, taking the leadership role in providing domestic violence and sexual abuse services for Jewish families in New Jersey, in addition to providing valuable prevention education to area college yeshiva’s, Jewish clergy, and day schools. Rachel’s Coalition (Metrowest New Jersey) provides support groups discussing “High Conflict Relationships.” That might seem a more inviting topic than domestic abuse, but the truth is that they are one and the same. South Florida offers wonderful education to Jewish youth groups in the form of “structured gigs” that engages the youth and grabs kids’ attention.
Every agency, (including SAFEHOME!) attending this “Fly-In” provides high-quality programs in their respective Jewish communities. Each professional faces the same community challenges: the importance of educating people of all ages about healthy relationships, the ability to provide resources, the significance of connecting with local Jewish clergy, and the importance of connecting with professional staff within Jewish institutions.
Our youngest son married one week before this conference. As happened last year when our daughter married, I thought of the wedding ceremony’s first tradition: The bride circling her groom symbolically reinforcing her home with safety and security, protected from outside elements. Considering my work at SAFEHOME, I find this ritual a great reminder of the imperative to make sure the home is protected from within as well. As I did last year, I asked myself if I discussed healthy relationships enough with my children. We all need awareness that Jewish couples can have abuse in their relationships. We all need education around this topic. You can start by learning more about SAFEHOME, too, by attending the upcoming Sukkot Program on Sept. 30 in downtown Overland Park. Watch for details coming shortly.
If you read this article and then question if you are in a high conflict relationship, call SAFEHOME’s 24 hour, anonymous confidential hotline, 913-262-2868. SAFEHOME offers a myriad of services including support groups, shelter, kosher meals if needed, legal advocacy, counseling … all free. Though the agency is not faith based, through the generosity of the Flo Harris Foundation, I provide outreach and programing on domestic violence in the Jewish community. In the last 10 months, I received more calls than ever before. Knowledge is power; resources do save lives.
I wish every reader L’shana Tova, and hope that your home is truly one of Shalom Bayit.
Susan Lebovitz is SAFEHOME’s Volunteer Manager and Jewish Outreach Program Coordinator.{/mprestriction}
