The month of October is natioal Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year Jews throughout the country are encouraging activities that focus specifically on abuse in the Jewish community.
Statistically speaking, Jewish families are no more immune to violence and abuse than members of any other community. Surveys from Jewish agencies in major U.S. cities consistently report that 20 to 30 percent of Jewish families will experience a pattern of violence in the home. Domestic violence can include physical violence, sexual assault, verbal and emotional abuse, financial abuse, and extreme isolation.
In the Bay Area this year, 24 victims of domestic violence have sought help from Shalom Bayit. In addition to women who have been abused, the organization also provides support and education to individuals and organizations facing issues of domestic violence within their family or community.
Tonight and tomorrow, for 25 hours of Shabbat, Shalom Bayit is calling upon members the Jewish community to focus on preventing all physical, verbal and emotional abuse of family members and intimate partners. Sermons will address Jewish domestic abuse, and rabbis and others will provide information to con[[exclamdown]]gregants seeking assistance or wishing to help. .