In light of the expected sharp increase in the scope of spousal and domestic violence in light of the war, government ministries, public organizations and associations working to eradicate the phenomenon of spousal and family violence are uniting to appeal specifically to the general public: Pay attention to what is happening inside the home and among couples in your immediate vicinity, call for advice on how to help prevent violence.
Shira Isakov presents the data of the State Comptroller's Report on Domestic Violence (Archive) // State Comptroller's Spokesperson
Behind the move is the "Red Lines" initiative (created by Shetufim), a partnership of over 120 organizations – public, social and business, working together to prevent intimate partner violence. FOR THE FIRST TIME, A WIDE-RANGING SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED ADDRESSING ALL BYSTANDERS: FOR ANY SUSPICION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - CONTACT ONE OF THE HELPLINES FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.
Over half a million were exposed to the campaign and thousands sought more information about aid agencies. Men of a wide range of ages showed surprising interest in the campaign, responded to it and sought more information for the landing page. Cosmeticians, rabbis and clerics, doctors, Tipat Halav nurses, the neighbor, the nurse, the bank clerk and the kindergarten teacher are all "bystanders" and can play a critical role in preventing the development and escalation of violence. There is often an expectation that the sole responsibility for identifying and taking action will be that of women victims of violence. Reality shows that affected women often find it difficult to turn, report and ask for help, especially in times of war, and support from those close to them can be very significant.
Pay attention to what is happening inside the home and with couples in your immediate vicinity, call for advice on how to help prevent violence, photo: none
The campaign calls on "bystanders" to call specialized helplines for advice and guidance, so that they can help and support people suffering from spousal and domestic violence. The organizations participating in the process deal daily with the treatment and prevention of domestic and marital violence. The Interministerial Committee for the Treatment of Domestic Violence and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Security, which leads the committee, the Association of Crisis Centers for Victims of Sexual Assault, ISLI, Bat Melech, Yad Sarah, WIZO, L.A. for Violence against Women, Women's Emergency Center, Naamat, Women Against Violence – operates in Arab society, Michal Sala Forum, Women's Spirit, TAHAL – Aid Center for Religious Women and Children. The campaign calls for guidance in any identification of suspicious signs, such as: extreme mood swings, "walking on eggs", duplicitous behavior, excessive jealousy/suspicion, isolation from family and friends, possessiveness/excessive/extreme controlling, and constant criticism.
Violence at home. Illustration, photo: GettyImages
Yasmin Rubin Cooper of Red Lines: "It is estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of cases of intimate partner violence every year, the main direct victims are women, but the harm is also to children, the family and society as a whole. During wartime, violence increases even more and the volume of reporting decreases, in light of stress, fear and general uncertainty. In light of this, we launched the Red Lines initiative – a partnership of many dozens of organizations – in a new campaign calling on those who stand by them, the BYSTANDERS, to open their eyes, pay attention and help the people around them, and prevent suffering from violence within relationships and at home. We hope that the campaign will reach the general public and encourage us as much as possible to consult and share, even in these difficult times."
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