Shalom Task Force - Promoting Peaceful Relations & Healthy Marriages

A Story of Survival

My husband, who I thought would be loving and respectful, turned out to be controlling and eventually abusive towards me.

How Do I Know If I’m Being Abused?

By Lisa Twerski, LCSW

In an abusive relationship the abusive spouse believes that he is entitled to be in control of his spouse, in every way important to him, and will use a variety of tactics to gain and maintain that control.

The Problem Is Ours

By Rabbi Avraham J. Twerski

There is a potent word in the Yiddish vocabulary, so potent that it has influenced attitudes. Even those who do not under stand a single word of Yiddish are affected by it. The word is “shanda.”

Breaking The Silence

By Aviva Hoch

On Sunday, May I, 1994, the lead article of 'The Nation," a feature of the New York Times "Week in Review" section, described changes in the way law enforcement officials are handling complaints of domestic violence. Many who read the detailed article, sighed at the telling photograph of a victimized woman and child, and turned the page. How many among us were aware that this acute problem also rages within our “safe” Jewish communities?

Domestic Abuse - The Dark Side of Marriage

By Lisa Twerski, LCSW

In the past several years our community's' awareness of the many social problems we face has grown tremendously. Much has been written about child abuse, substance abuse, troubled youth and domestic violence. A deeper understanding of these problems, however, still eludes many of us. It is only with that deeper insight that we as individuals as well as a community can be of help.

Taking Domestic Violence To Task

By Jeani Silver

Domestic violence in the Orthodox community is like a tear in the lining of a beautiful garment. The wearer of the garment knows it exists and feels it ripping, giving way with time. It is hidden from the outside observer until the damaged material slips out from underneath and becomes visible. Perhaps at the mivkah, at a meeting of a community organization or school, or in the neighborhood grocery, the damage begins to show. Until recently, those who would have chosen to have the garment repaired could not find a tailor who did the work.