Only trained professionals should counsel victims of domestic violence.
However, there are many opportunities for others who would like to help….
Break the Code of Silence
Many victims suffer in silence because of shame and because nobody wants to believe that this behavior is happening in their community, affecting their neighbors.
One of Project S.A.R.A.H.’s highlights for 2009 was the “Many Voices One Message Campaign,” including over 180 Rabbis, Jewish organizations and schools that made the commitment to speak out against domestic violence in the Jewish community.
YOU CAN HELP BY:
• Talking about the need for community outreach
• Do you belong to a book club? Recommend a book on this topic
• Talk about this web site. Someone who knows someone may need help
• Listen. Be available as a friend. Pass on The Project S.A.R.A.H. number 973-777-7638 and/or The Shalom Task Force Confidential Abuse Hotline number 1-888-883-2323
Synagogues
• Dedicate a Shabbat to this topic
• Encourage your Rabbi to include a sermon on the theme of domestic violence/family harmony
• Place a Shalom Task Force ad in your bulletin. Repeat their hotline number along with your local Jewish Family Service number
• Encourage your adult education or Sisterhood program chairperson to schedule a program about domestic violence
Other Ways You Can Help:
• Learn what shelters exist in your community
• Adopt a Family Shelter
• Organize groups to volunteer at shelters
• Discover their needs
• Offer to baby-sit during counseling sessions
Collect items
• To improve appearance (curtains, sheets, wall hangings, etc.)
• To meet needs (curtains, sheets, towels, diapers, etc.)
Collect funds
• To provide Kosher Kits
• To meet client’s immediate needs
• Emergency rent money
• Emergency psychiatric care
• To continue advertising and outreach
• Organize a lawyers’ group to offer legal assistance at a reduced rate or pro bono as needed
Help sponsor this WEB site by sending your tax deductiable donation to:
Project S.A.R.A.H.
c/o Jewish Family Service of Greater Clifton/Passaic
199 Scoles Road
Clifton, NJ 07012
Or Donate Using Any Major Credit Card Through Paypal
