One woman in four will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. It affects all women, regardless of age, education, class, lifestyle or religion; the Jewish community is no different to any other.

That means that every year, literally thousands of Jewish women will face violence against themselves and their children from within their own home. And there is just one organisation in the UK, indeed in the whole of Europe, dealing specifically with the needs of abused Jewish women. That organisation is Jewish Women’s Aid.

The lack of awareness of domestic violence in the Jewish community has caused damage. Women may remain silent through shame, embarrassment, a feeling of guilt or fear that they will not be believed. They feel alone, that no-one else has experienced such abuse and that it must be their fault. Being believed, accepted, supported and understood is vital. It brings strength and comfort and is the start of recovery.

Jewish Women's Aid (JWA) is a registered national charity for Jewish women and their children affected by domestic abuse.

• We run a refuge in London where Kashrut, Shabbat and festivals are strictly observed. The refuge houses up to eight women and their children from various backgrounds and levels of religious observance.
  
  
• We offer a national confidential free-phone helpline.
  
  
• We provide outreach support to women in the community. Some want to discuss their situations and options. Others are trying to rebuild their lives. All have our support.
  
  

• Through education and awareness raising, we work towards a future when all sectors of the Jewish community have a zero tolerance attitude towards domestic violence

  
  

Click here for our 2008-09 annual report

Click here to download our latest newsletter.

If you wish to contact the office of Jewish Women's Aid, please call 020 8445 8060 or e-mail info@jwa.org.uk