It is the responsibility of our community to eradicate evil from our midst. We as a community are responsible for defending and protecting victims. Victims are never responsible for protecting abusers..
"It is incumbent upon us to act G-Dly and stand with the victims, those who have been traumatized, attacked and assaulted."
"Know that we are with you and that we care about you... We are here to help you in any way we can, we wish you love and strength..."
"Whomsoever wishes that his sons and daughters be raised in the path of Torah and fear of Heaven, should not retain any of his books"
By: Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com
Seven and a half years ago, we created Amudim with a mission: to give a voice to the victims of sexual abuse and eradicate stigmas so that those who had been victimized could get the help...
While several other commentators and pundits have offered their thoughts and opinions after the news emerged of the self-inflicted...
By: Rabbi Pini Dunner
Shifra was a victim of the vicious, pernicious, and malicious monster whose name I shall not utter.
Ms. Horowitz committed suicide ...
By: Rav Ron Yitzchok Eisenmann
The Chaim Walder saga that has unfolded over the past weeks has created upheaval across the Jewish world, as it must. Walder was one of those profoundly...
By: Rabbi Moshe Hauer
We can make other choices now. During my first month as an assistant district...
By: Rahel Bayar
The Halacha’s Approach to Filing a Criminal Complaint Against an Alleged Sexual Offender
By: Rabbi Shay Schachter
It can be extremely difficult for survivors to come forward and share their story. They may feel ashamed, concerned that they won’t be believed, or worried they’ll be blamed. Leave any “why” questions or investigations to the experts—your job is to support this person. Be careful not to interpret calmness as a sign that the event did not occur—everyone responds to traumatic events differently. The best thing you can do is to believe them.
Let the survivor know that you are there for them and willing to listen to their story if they are comfortable sharing it. Assess if there are people in their life they feel comfortable going to, and remind them that there are service providers who will be able to support them as they heal from the experience.
Survivors may blame themselves, especially if they know the perpetrator personally. Remind the survivor, maybe even more than once, that they are not to blame.
Acknowledge that the experience has affected their life. Phrases like “This must be really tough for you,” and, “I’m so glad you are sharing this with me,” help to communicate empathy.
It can be difficult to watch a survivor struggle with the effects of sexual assault for an extended period of time. Avoid phrases that suggest they’re taking too long to recover such as, “You’ve been acting like this for a while now,” or “How much longer will you feel this way?”
You can be a supporter, but that doesn’t mean you’re equipped to manage someone else’s health. Become familiar with resources you can recommend to a survivor, such as therapists and mental health professionals.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone.
Contact us today.
11 Broadway
Suite 1076
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (646) 517-0222
Email: [email protected]
www.amudim.org
8 Harav Kook Street
Suite 308
Jerusalem Israel
Phone: 02-374-0175
Email: [email protected]
www.amudim.org
