One woman in four will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. It affects all women, regardless of age, education, class, lifestyle or religion; the Jewish community is no different to any other.

That means that every year, literally thousands of Jewish women will face violence against themselves and their children from within their own home. And there is just one organisation in the UK, indeed in the whole of Europe, dealing specifically with the needs of abused Jewish women. That organisation is Jewish Women’s Aid.

The lack of awareness of domestic violence in the Jewish community has caused damage. Women may remain silent through shame, embarrassment, a feeling of guilt or fear that they will not be believed. They feel alone, that no-one else has experienced such abuse and that it must be their fault. Being believed, accepted, supported and understood is vital. It brings strength and comfort and is the start of recovery.

Jewish Women's Aid (JWA) is a registered national charity run by Jewish women for Jewish women and their children who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.

• We run a refuge in London where Kashrut, Shabbat and festivals are strictly observed. The refuge houses up to eight women and their children from various backgrounds and levels of religious observance.
  
  
• We offer a national confidential free-phone helpline.
  
  
• We provide outreach support to women in the community. Some want to discuss their situations and options. Others are trying to rebuild their lives. All have our support.
  
  
• We seek to raise awareness of the existence of domestic abuse within the Jewish community and work towards its total eradication through talks and training for professionals.  We offer education sessions in schools which promote healthy relationships and aim to prevent domestic violence in the future.