Every second request from a religious or ultra-Orthodox woman who needs shelter due to domestic violence was not answered due to lack of space.
This is according to the annual activity report for 2022 of the "Bat Melech" association, which helps religious and ultra-Orthodox women who suffer violence from their partners.
"The data is a warning sign for the urgent need to establish another shelter and additional methods of treatment for women victims of violence alongside a national outreach program for education and prevention in closed societies such as the ultra-orthodox society," says attorney Tsilit Jacobson, chairman of the association.
According to her, "Each closed society has its own specific characteristics, therefore an effective action is required that is planned and adapted to the ways of transferring knowledge and information in it. Without a systematic plan, the number of women in need of protection and shelter will continue to increase every year."
Shelter for battered women.
Religious and ultra-Orthodox women are not accepted due to lack of space, photo: Efrat Eshel
According to information published by the association, in 2022 191 children and 65 women stayed in its shelters, of which 17 experienced violence from their partners for a period of over ten years.
The association also notes that in 2022 the largest increase in applications to the helpline was felt.
59% of the inquiries - women from the ultra-orthodox sector
The total number of referrals to the helpline was 5979, of which 1341 were accompanied by a therapeutic process.
59% of the inquiries came from the ultra-orthodox sector.
Most of the applications were from the women themselves who experienced violence from their partners, but among the applicants were also friends, family members and therapists.
In 2022, 43 women left the association's shelters, of which 77% started a new life and did not return to the violent cause.
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