3 years' imprisonment for a resident of Yim who committed indecent acts in "conversion therapy"

The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court sentenced Reuven Yisrael Welcher's sentence in meetings with the complainants that the indecent acts he performed for them were required for mental health treatment, knowing that it was not. "The defendant's severe sexual abuse mask in his patients"

3 years' imprisonment for a resident of Yim who committed indecent acts in "conversion therapy"

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The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court sentenced three years in prison this morning to Reuven Israel Welcher for indecent acts on patients under "conversion therapy". Welcher was convicted of a series of indecent offenses that were fraudulently obtained and indecent in a minor using dependency and was also sentenced to one year in prison. In addition, he was required to pay compensation.

Welcher was convicted a year ago, after admitting as part of a settlement that from 2007-2012 he met with one of the complainants dozens of times for "sexual identity issues." During the sessions, Volcher created a dependency on the complainant. He instructed him to do various chores, writing 40 things to prove he was a man. When the complainant did not perform the tasks to his satisfaction, the defendant used to shout, humiliate and threaten him at the cessation of treatment. During the sessions, the defendant argued to the complainants that the indecent acts he had committed were required for the mental health care, knowing that it was not.

"The gravity of the acts is also intensified when we deal with sexual offenses committed against boys who are at the height of adolescence, which have no questions and thoughts that are part of every adolescent. , Judge Sharon Larry-Babley wrote in her decision. "The facts of the indictment speak for themselves, and indicate the defendant's serious sexual abuse mask in his patients. The central element highlighted in the defendant's shameful and abusive actions is the element of exploitation and deceit," she added. The judge also noted that "the defendant's actions are grave, and intensified in light of the length of time they were committed and multiplied. These acts deserve all condemnation and condemnation. Such condemnation will be reflected in significant punishment."

Attorney Or Gabay of the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office said after the sentencing that "the two young men, one of whom was a minor when he approached the defendant's help, trusted the defendant, revealed to him the bracket of their hearts and shared it with the most covert secrets. The defendant took advantage of his role and trust given to him by the patients and sexually harmed them for years. Today we seek to strengthen the casualties who will have to carry the consequences of the injury with them and hope that the message left by the court today will be a warning sign that treatment personnel will not take advantage of the patients' role and distress. "