Australia is presently experiencing the highest rates of family, domestic and sexual violence on record.
37 per cent of women in New South Wales have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, and over 60 per cent of NSW Police time is allocated to dealing with domestic and family violence.
Australian Jews are sadly not exempt from this scourge.
As Jews, we are bound by the Halachic principle of Pikuach Nefesh, which provides that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other law in Judaism.
As the nation faces this crisis of violence, particularly against women and children, we must do all that we can to save lives and prevent abuse in all its various manifestations.
Every member of our community should consider this responsibility to be their personal obligation.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies have initiated the ‘Open Door’ policy.
This policy is a community-wide commitment to connect individuals who confide in us that they are experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence with professional assistance.
It recognises the immense courage it takes for an individual to share an experience of domestic, sexual or family violence with someone, and that feelings of shame, embarrassment and a range of fears often prevent victim-survivors from coming forward. Therefore, if they do come forward, we must be prepared to support them.
We call on you to learn about and share the culturally-safe help available through the enclosed resources, and to make this commitment to ensure the safety of our community’s most vulnerable.
Why Jewish specific assistance?
When someone is experiencing or has experienced violence of any kind, it can be incredibly challenging to seek help. It can already be a daunting, uncomfortable or difficult experience.
However, ‘culturally-safe’ assistance can provide victim-survivors with a sense of ease, familiarity and comfort. It can prevent a feeling of judgement, as those providing help better understand cultural nuances, and the nature of the Jewish community specifically.
It also helps victim-survivors continue with their customs, like observing Shabbat, during this time.
Things like providing Kosher food and understanding customs, including those on chagim (Jewish holidays), can make a big difference to the experiences of victim-survivors when seeking help.
Equally, we know that some Jewish Australians may prefer seeking non-Jewish specific help, and those services are listed below too.
Culturally-safe spaces you can always turn to:
In NSW, services like Jewish House are run by the Jewish community, for the Jewish community – and the NSW community at large.
Jewish House has a 24/7 crisis line which offers support for people experiencing crisis, such as drug and alcohol addiction, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence and homelessness. Their services are strictly confidential.
Jewish House also provides accommodation for up to 100 people per night with nowhere else to sleep. They also have counselling and mediation available.
24/7 Crisis Line
1300 544 357
Accomodation
0293869779
Counseling
0293869779
Mediation
0293860770
JewishCare is here to support any community member who is experiencing domestic and family violence, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic position.
JewishCare provides confidential case management, support groups and counselling services for victims/survivors of DFV.
We work closely with Jewish House and other housing providers if there are urgent accommodation needs.
DFV Support
1300 133 660
How to help:
When someone is experiencing violence, how you talk and listen to them makes a real difference.
It’s important you make them feel safe and understood, and do what you can to help – without forcing them to do what you might think is best.
- Believe them, and take their fears seriously.
- Remember that domestic and family violence is not just physical – it can also be emotional, financial, spiritual, religious, social, legal, and can include stalking and neglect.
- Listen without judgement or interrupting
- Never blame the person experiencing violence.
- Understand they may not be ready to leave/it may not be safe to leave.
- Help in practical ways, with transport, appointments, child minding, or a place to escape to.
- Help explore culturally safe and other options. You or the person you are supporting can call 1800RESPECT, Jewish House or Jewish Care.
- Keep in touch. In a way that does not put them in danger, check in with them and let them know you’re there.
- In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 000 straight away.
