Abusers are often charming, well respected members of the community. Domestic violence occurs across the entire Jewish community.

It happens in affluent households and lower income ones; in religious homes and secular ones; with young couples and those in their senior years.

A woman who is confident in her work and social life can come to believe she is useless if her partner consistently tells her she is stupid, isolates her from friends and family and blames her when he loses his temper.

If your friend, neighbour or relative tells you she is experiencing domestic violence, do listen to her and offer support and information about JWA and how we might help her.

If she has had to leave a violent relationship, you can help by standing by her and keeping her company, and telling her JWA is there for her.

Domestic Violence is physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or financial abuse which takes place within a relationship and forms a pattern of controlling behaviour. If….

• You feel isolated
• Your partner finds fault with your friends and family
• Your partner is jealous and obsessive
• Your partner holds the cheque books and credit cards
• You appear confident and self-assured at work and with family, but are nervous to express an opinion when your partner is around
• Your partner ever threatens you with violence
• You feel you are being bullied, criticised or undermined
• You are becoming afraid of your partner

You can call JWA for help on 0800 59 12 03