November 2024
NCJW and JF&CS Offer Workshops about Domestic Abuse
Public awareness about domestic abuse is much better than it was years ago, but there’s still a feeling that Jews don’t act abusively, says Julie Youdovin, Outreach and Program Coordinator for Journey to Safety, the Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) program targeting domestic and dating abuse.
But abuse does happen in Jewish homes, Youdovin says. People need to know how to work to end abuse and to support those being mistreated by a partner.
Youdovin says that her work with Journey to Safety approaches domestic violence and abuse through a Jewish lens. She works to reduce shame – shanda – so that survivors don’t blame themselves or feel that they must hide what’s happening, especially when many communities don’t discuss it.
NCJW MA has invited Journey to Safety to lead three workshops this winter on domestic violence and abuse:
— Dec. 8: Domestic Abuse, 101
In this session, Youdovin will help participants identify and respond to domestic abuse when they see, hear about, or experience it. Learning about domestic abuse can be practical, she says. She also says that learning about the topic is an act of social justice to help us support all in our communities.
— Jan. 12: A Personal Story
In March 2015, Needham resident Susan Altman learned that her sister Stacy was the victim of a domestic homicide. Altman will talk about surviving the trauma of her sister’s death and advocating for justice. She will also reflect on what she wishes she had known a decade earlier about domestic abuse.
There will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
— Feb. 2: Teens and Young Adults
Before they become adults, one in three teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with. In this session, Youdovin will explore ways to invite young people to talk about what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy. She will offer strategies to support a friend or family member who has a partner who acts in controlling or harmful ways.
The session was designed for parents, guardians, and other adults with young people in their lives.