Many of us feel helpless when we hear about domestic abuse, but there are many ways we can all help:
Learn About Domestic Abuse and How to Help a Loved One
Learn about the dynamics of domestic abuse (signs, why victims stay, obstacles to leaving) as well as the options available to victims. Gather information on domestic abuse hotlines, programs and the legal system.
Listen without being judgmental. Emotional support can be very valuable to the victim. Let your friend know that it’s not her fault and that the abuser, not the victim, is responsible for the abuse. Be supportive rather than placing blame or suggesting the victim make certain decisions. Remember that your friend must make her own decisions and focus on supporting your friend’s rights to make her choices.
Let your friend know that she/he is not alone. Share you concerns and that you can see what is happening.
Give your friend positive reinforcement. Very often victims are told that it’s their fault and they feel inadequate as wives, and mothers. Let her know that she is a good person and emphasize that no one should tolerate abuse.
Encourage your friend to seek assistance. Hotlines, rabbis, counselors, advocates and programs may help in dealing with the pain, providing important information and learning about options. Let your friend know that reaching out for help can change her life… from a victim to a survivor who is empowered and has support from caring individuals.
Victims sometimes refuse to acknowledge the abuse. Tell your friend that you believe her. If the situation is dangerous, confront your friend about her and her children’s safety. Remind her that the abusive behavior will continue if nothing is done to stop it.
Encourage your friend to develop a Safety Plan to protect her and her children and help her make a list of numbers to call in an emergency.
Particiapte in Domestic Violence Awareness Month October is DVAM, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join us in bringing awareness and education to the issue of domestic abuse our Jewish community.
Use one of the suggested messages for your social networking site status update or as a tweet! Each day you can help raise awareness to your social media network. Read our 31 Days of Status Updates Here.
Make a Contribution JCADA's ongoing work is supported by both grants and individual donations. Here’s how your donation helps victims and prevents abuse from occurring in future generations:
$15,000 Provides for a client's needs for one year
$10,000 Provides clinical services to two clients for 6 months
$5,000 Provides training for clincal professionals to better serve victims of abuse
$1,000 Provides transitional safe shelter for a family fleeing abuse
$500 Provides a Healthy Teen Prevention Program
$360 Provides intake, a safety plan and five hours of case management
$100 Provides a week of food for a family in need
Remember JCADA in Your Estate Planning Help us to continue our work in the Jewish community of the Greater Washington, D.C. area by considering JCADA in your estate planning. Contact JCADA at 301-315-8040 to learn more.
Join Our Mailing List Sign up for our Email Alerts to learn about upcoming events and programs. The email listserv helps JCADA cut down on its operating costs.
Donate Auction Items Auction items of all types are needed for our events and special online auctions. Donations may include sports tickets or memorabilia, travel and leisure items, artwork, gift certificates, a spa day, theater tickets, etc.
Put Our Bathroom Posters in Your Community To increase awareness of Domestic Abuse in our community and the services we provide, we have created bathroom posters for both men and women bathrooms. To order these free bathroom signs for your organization today, please email jcada@jcada.org with the subject line Bathroom Signs and the quantity needed.
Donate Used Cell Phones Victims of domestic abuse often need cell phones, temporarily or permanently, to help them deal with an abusive situation or to rebuild their lives. JCADA works with a community service program to recycle your old cell phones and make them available to new clients. Please send your used cell phones, chargers, and accessories to P.O Box 2266 Rockville, MD 20852 or call us to arrange a convenient time to drop them off.
Tell Us Your Story Have you or a loved one been in an abusive relationship? Did you seek help? Was there an organization – such as JCADA – that was helpful to you? Do you have children? If so, how were they affected by the abuse? We ask for this information because the essence of your story may inspire others to seek help. However, please be assured that all personal or descriptive information will be kept confidential. Click Here to tell us your story.
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JCADA is committed to providing high quality services to all residents of the Greater Washington DC Jewish community as well as the community at large without regard to ability, background, faith, gender or sexual orientation.
