Jewish Women’s Aid was established by volunteers in 1992, whose first project was to establish a national helpline for Jewish women facing domestic violence. That helpline is still a vital first point of contact for women making their first tentative steps to seeking help, and had more than 1000 calls last year.

The subsequent 15 years have seen a great expansion in activity, with the 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 12 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 seen over 100 clients and this is expanding month by month. This means we can help women and their children in a huge variety of practical ways, whether it be legal, financial, emotional or practical. Our counselling service is also growing. Last year we saw 36 clients – all seen 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 presentations to adults too, alerts victims and children of victims to our existence and the help that is on hand.

We now offer the following FREE services are there for women who choose to stay at home and for those who feel they must leave.

• 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.
• Professional, confidential counselling to those experiencing domestic violence.

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