Yahsher Koach to Rabbi Rudnick for an article he wrote (“Take time to focus on loving healthy relationships,” March 11) honoring Rabbi Dr. Twersky’s work regarding domestic abuse in the Jewish community. When I worked at Safehome, he and I talked about its presence in our community along with discussions I had with Rabbi Harris, Rabbi Glickman, Rabbi Steigman, and Rabbi Nemitoff.
For the better part of my 19 years, the agency received grants from various foundations so I could do outreach in our community regarding domestic abuse. Whether you call it domestic abuse, domestic violence, or high family conflict, it all boils down to a pattern of one person having power and control over another.
Abuse takes many forms: physical, emotional, financial, psychological, medical. It can include any or all of the mentioned forms.
Rabbi Rudnick and several other area rabbis serve as strong advocates for victims of domestic abuse and can help if you think you live in an abusive situation. In addition, you can call JFS, 913.327.8250, or a metro area wide emergency abuse number, 816-HOTLINE. Knowledge is power.
Again, compliments to Rabbi Rudnick for making us all aware that this problem still exists.
Susan Lebovitz
Prairie Village
