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.
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:
$10,000 -- this "Pioneer" gift allows JCADA to sponsor a range of programming in schools, on college campuses, for parents, in synagogues, and train rabbis and other religious leaders about domestic abuse.
$2,500 -- pays for legal assistance and court fees
$1,000 -- provides transitional safe shelter for a family fleeing abuse
$500 -- pays for counseling for one victim of domestic abuse
$250 -- provides one school program on "Healthy Relationships"
$100 -- provides food coupons for a week for a family in need
$36 -- helps pay for JCADA's day to day operations
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.
Be a Coalition Partner or a Synagogue Liaison JCADA’s coalition includes domestic violence organizations, Jewish women’s organizations, synagogues, and many others. If you work with an organization that JCADA can partner with, let us know! JCADA is also working to identify one or two members of each area synagogue to be JCADA’s official Synagogue Liaisons.
Join the JCADA Volunteer Corps Volunteers may be called upon to help with large mailings, staff information booths at community events, or assist with large events. Individuals in various fields may also be called upon to lend their professional services from time to time. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer your time to help JCADA fulfill its mission.
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.
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 our office at 1010 Rockville Pike, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20852 or call us to arrange a convenient time to drop them off.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Projects Youngsters preparing to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah may wish to work with JCADA on a mitzvah project. Please contact us at 301-315-8040 for more information.
Apply for an Internship JCADA is currently seeking college interns to work in the
Rockville office. These are unpaid positions, but college credit is available. Intern shedules are flexible, preferably 10-15 hours per week for the semester. Contact the JCADA office for more details.
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.
