Rachel Rose Light

Fourteen Years of Silence- an Exploration of Intimate Partner Violence in the Jewish Community Rachel Rose Light

Domestic Violence is the shame borne in silence by thousands of women around the globe. Studies show that American women stay in abusive relationships an average of seven years, while Jewish American women stay for fourteen years - twice as long! No comprehensive study of Jewish culture and religion has been done to examine this phenomenon of longer endurance in violent partnerships. This work examines the social, cultural, spiritual and scriptural aspects of Judaism which may contribute to this dichotomy in how women free themselves from abusive marriages. An exploration of these issues will hopefully lead to more culturally-sensitive, supportive services for Jewish American victims of spousal battering. This book is addressed to social service professionals, Rabbis and Jewish community leaders, educators, and lay members of the Jewish community. It is also directed towards researchers in Sociology, Women's Studies, Public Health and Religion.