By M. L.
She is the woman who sits next to you at your cousin’s Sheva Brachos… The elder woman who often attends the block shiur… Your downstairs neighbor…She is the newlywed who teaches your daughter every day…Your husband’s oldest sister who is so capable and has it all together…Your niece who has been married three years and lives out of town far from family support…She is your dearest childhood friend …Your mother-in-law…Your mother…Your daughter…YOU…and the woman who is reading this and might not be allowed to attend.
Domestic Abuse.
Shalom Task Force has arranged an evening of awareness and education for you. This evening has been sponsored and is supported by all the main educational institutions and programs in our neighborhood and OHEL.
Why all this support? Because it is critical that we learn the truth; that we dispel the myths about domestic abuse; that we understand why we need to be able to identify it when it exists- and make no mistake – it does exist.
If this still seems irrelevant to you, why show up? Because, a Jewish daughter is hurting; Because abuse can only prevail in a community that tolerates it. Because, I need to know how I can prepare my child as they make life determining choices.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? BE THERE!
Come-on Wednesday evening, October 28th, 2015 at 7:30 pm at the Oholei Torah Hall to listen, to hear from Lisa Twerski , who has years of experience and education, share WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW. You will be informed so you can then learn your role and access resources and a support system. How you can help even when you may feel you can’t be burdened with it.
Oh, I know there is so much going on and there is a myriad of details and responsibilities to take care of- but you might mean the change in her life- in your life- BE THERE. It is the way you can make the difference.
What You Should Know
Presented by Lisa G. Twerski, lcsw.
Lisa received her Masters in Social Work from New York University’s School of Social Work in 1990, and has her certification in pre-marital counseling and education. She has been working with victims of domestic violence for over twenty years and has held numerous positions in and out of the Jewish community, both with victims as well as in programs for abusers. Mrs. Twerski is on the Board of Directors of Nefesh, The International Network for Orthodox Jewish Mental Health Professionals, maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, and consults to Shalom Task Force. Mrs. Twerski lectures locally and nationally on domestic abuse, marriage, and dating. She has recently published a book entitled, “I’m So Confused, Am I Being Abused? Guidance for the Orthodox Jewish Spouse & Those Who Are Trying to Help.”
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Oholei Torah Ballroom, 667 Eastern Parkway
Registration and seating 7:30 pm
Video presentation and speaker 8:00 pm
Resource tables, Buffet refreshments 9:45 pm
From the comments, it seems that many people use the term “abuse”, each with their own definitions of abuse. Not every bad marriage is an abusive marriage. Abuse, by definition means that one partner wields all the control, and the other is not allowed any control in the relationship. This type of situation is much more serious than two people who have poor interpersonal skills, or just plain bad character traits which make a spouse miserable.
Tonight’s awareness event can help people understand the difference between a bad marriage, which can be worked on, and an abusive marriage.
most people automatically think of men when they hear “domestic abuse”. unfortunately, i come from a home where the woman- the wife and mother is the abusive one but no one understands. if we complained about my mother as children people told us we’re spoiled, ungrateful, and immature. please discuss at the seminar and make sure people are looking out for female abusers too
Domestic abusers can be both men or women. Victims can be both men or women. This event is for women who want to be educated about how to helpful to someone who might be in an abusive marriage – man or woman. What is abuse. What to say and not to say. How to offer help and how not to. Of course it can also be helpful to someone who is in such a relationship r”l.
I am a man who was abused. Nobody believed me. I didn’t even believe it. Until it got so bad I had to leave.
Coming means u care. (Someone in that situation probably would not be ableto come)
Thank G-d you are in a loving relationship.
Coming to this event only shows that you are a caring person who wants to better understand the facts so that you will know how to help others who are in this terrible predicament. All those who are suffering in silence will gain the tools to help themselves. Let’s ALL show our support by attending!
While this event is beneficial for our community, I am curious to know whether the organizers believe that the possibilities of domestic abuse can be committed by either spouse and if that will be discussed. Domestic abuse is no myth…but please advocate that both spouses can perpetrators.
and it something that gets very little attention.
this type of event should be encouraged, because we, as a community, have blood on our hands, and shoulder the responsibility, for even one person who is suffering abuse and we do nothing, but just sit by idly. One the other hand, one needs to ensure that it is to help those who need help, and not to break up a marriage, that is not abusive, but where both parties can pick up on better social skills. G-d forbid to break up even one marriage that can be saved! Also in today’s world of feminism, one needs to to take… Read more »
I will be there! Thank G-d being I do not have that challenge and pain in my own life but I do know of a few family and friends that deal with this and it is so difficult. I feel like I want to understand more about how I can be there for them
Bh I’m in a loving relationship. Does coming to this event signify to others that there’s something wrong in my relationship?
please, please record it for later viewing and publicizing for those who cannot make it!
its for free its all sponserd
This evening is sponsored by local Mosdos and important organizations because of the importance of this very prevalent topic.
No entrance fee!
I want to attend. Although B”H I’m in a healthy relationship, I would like to learn about verbal and emotional abuse. To learn the difference of marital conflict and abuse. Which issues of sholom bayis are normal and ok, and which is a red sign for abuse!
Will i be able to watch or hear it live?
Perhaps a live stream or video…
Why wasn’t this talked about when I was married? TG, I got rid of him, but there are many out there who need this!!!
To No 3, go and learn how to be a support, there are so many who need someone who cares!!!
What about the guy that just married your neice what about your uncle what about your GUY neighbor down stairs? What about the GUY you see on the train?!?!
I don’t have a story however reading this I was first impressed but then for some reason it hit me..!
Is this open for single girls too?
i don’t have a specific story, but
if this gives the courage to someone to speak up and not worry about being blamed or not believed, that’s a good enough reason for me.
and.. after all.. knowledge is power .. and this does exist, so why not know if its coming my way.
Is this talk free? What does registration and seating mean?
Thank you to the organizers for addressing this very important issue.