From early beginnings in Leeds in the 1980s, where volunteers set up a national helpline for Jewish women facing domestic violence, Jewish Women's Aid expanded to become a national charity with the establishment of a London base in 1992.

Since then, we have seen a great expansion in activity, with our volunteers now supported by a dedicated professional team. Central to our current work is our refuge in London, which provides a vital haven for women starting on the path to rebuilding their lives. It is the only kosher and observant refuge in Europe, meaning it is suitable for women of all levels of religious observance. With room for 8 women and their children, it is nearly always full.

And of course this is just a tiny fraction of the Jewish women who need our help. A very important and growing area of JWA is the work we do with women in the community. In the last year, we have supported over 150 clients and this is expanding month by month. This means we can help women and their children in a huge variety of ways, whether it be legal, financial, emotional or practical. Our counselling service is also growing. Last year we saw 49 clients – all helped by professional therapists.

We want to stop the violence before it starts, which is why our education programmes in schools, aimed at different ages, are so important. All of our community awareness work, which includes talks, training and workshops to adults, alerts victims and children of victims to our existence and the help that is on hand.

Our free services are there for women who choose to stay at home and for those who feel they must leave. We offer:

A national confidential freephone helpline.

• The only secure refuge where kashrut, Shabbat and festivals are fully observed.
• Advice and help on legal, housing, financial, emotional and family issues as well as caring support for children, with local bases in Stamford Hill, Barnet, Redbridge and the North of England.
• Professional, confidential counselling to those experiencing domestic violence, both face to face and by telephone.

We help women to regain their self-respect and confidence and rebuild their lives.

2010-11 annual report.

2010-11 audited accounts

Read the press release relating to You Know a Jewish Woman experiencing domestic abuse: Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community' published by JWA in March 2011.

If you wish to contact the office of Jewish Women's Aid, please call 020 8445 8060 or e-mail info@jwa.org.uk