The report includes findings from surveys, interviews and focus groups held with survivors, rabbis, professionals and community leaders. The findings dispel a long-held myth that abuse is not a problem in the Jewish community— a myth that ultimately inhibits the development and funding of adequate resources and support for women who do reach out for help. The study affirms a clear need for a coordinated community response and increased funding to meet the needs of victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

“The release of the study is not an end unto itself,” says Lori Weinstein, executive director of JWI. “We hope that these findings will become a key resource for those working on and funding this issue.”

The National Needs Assessment was guided by an advisory board that included Rabbi David Rose, senior rabbi at Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, MD, and Marilyn Moskowitz, executive director of JCADA.

The Needs Assessment is part of JWI’s larger commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy to end domestic abuse in the Jewish community. This study will be instrumental in shaping programming and strengthening advocacy efforts for the entire Jewish community. Needs Assessment briefings have already been held in Chicago and Cincinatti and briefings are scheduled for Washington, DC and New York, New York.

The National Needs Assessment study was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its companion study, the Chicagoland Needs Assessment, was funded in part by the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago. If you would like to present a briefing or would like to order a copy of the Needs Assessment, call 1.800.343.2823. The study can also be downloaded from JWI’s website, www.jewishwomen.org.