Victim Advocates' Experiences in the Provision of Domestic Violence Services for Jewish Women

Author

Michael Sue Jenefsky, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Tina Jaeckle

Committee Member

Aimee Zadak

Committee Member

Tracy Cook

Committee Member

Marcelo Castro

Keywords

Jewish women, domestic violence, needs, cultural, secular, shelters, resources, tri-county area

Abstract

Domestic violence is a serious, dangerous global epidemic and does not discriminate. Domestic violence has no limitations happening in all communities, religions, and cultures. There are many types of abuse, and it is not always physical; however, the underlying threat of violence is perceived by victims. Abusers use manipulative and coercive tactics to gain and maintain power and control of victims. It is deliberate and a choice. Feelings of shame, guilt, blame, failure, helplessness, and being trapped with no means to escape are prevalent among victims. Jewish women have specific feelings and fears that are associated with halakha, Jewish law, and Judaic culture. It is against halakha to discuss domestic violence and to inform outside authorities. It is extremely important, especially for Orthodox women, to be in close contact with their family and the community are extremely. For this reason, they often choose to remain in an unsafe and abusive relationship. If they do decide to leave, secular shelters and resources are not an option due to a lack of understanding of Jewish culture and laws. There are no Jewish shelters for the women who reside in the South Florida tri-counties of Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade. This study will explore the lived experiences of four domestic violence advocates from Jewish Family Services in Palm Beach and Broward counties. The research aims to identify the requirements of the abused Jewish women as perceived by the advocates who work with them. Specifically, the research will examine the necessity for Jewish domestic violence shelters in the South Florida tri-county area.

NSUWorks Citation

Michael Sue Jenefsky. 2024. Victim Advocates' Experiences in the Provision of Domestic Violence Services for Jewish Women. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (640)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/640.