Dear Friends,
The summer is almost over and we are on the eve of the New 5768. We want to use this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year and update you on what is happening with PARPAR.
PARPAR started with the idea of that the community should take responsibility for the victims of domestic violence. We are sharing a deep conviction that by taking a firm stand against this social evil, by helping victims, and educating men, women, and spiritual and lay leadership we can make difference.
We also understood that the existing social services, while absolutely essential and indispensable, would not be able to deal with the issue in an effective manner without community participation. People in the community, their willingness to reach out, and to help the victims, are absolutely vital for the success in the fight against this social problem.
This is why we started our awareness campaign -- taking qualified speaker to the community groups and educating people about the issue. It was apparent that far from being indifferent, the community was simply not educated and aware of the magnitude and complexity of the problem. Once people learned about the crime, they were ready to help.
This coming year we are planning to continue with our educational work. But our plans do not stop there.
Our sages of blessed memory taught us that the main thing is active mitzva. How many times people in the community would ask: Why did not she leave him!
And not many took time to ask another question: Where would she go? Without money, support, with a tangible risk for her life at the moment of separation very often a woman, and specifically Jewish Orthodox woman has nowhere to go. While resources might be available, the taboo in the community make most people unaware of the resources sometimes available next door.
We spent the summer working on this problem investigating available options for safe house, shelter solutions. We met with a lot of good people working in this area and they generously shared with us their experience. People at Auberge Shalom in Montreal, Canada, and Casa Myrna in Boston to name just a few. There is a lot we can do, there is a lot that needs to be done. At a minimum a community must organize following for the victims:
- Safety Plan for victims of Domestic Violence
- Victim and children housed in home of volunteer from the community who has been trained in the state’s formal training program where staff of shelters are trained
- Rabbi/ Rebbetzin in contact with victim and volunteer family how to best provide for her immediate needs
- Social worker provision-legal access/consultations
- Baby sitter access to provide victim for individual time to regroup thoughts and actions and to make appointments with lawyers etc…
Since we started last spring a number of women approached us and asked for help... Women in the community just like the rest of us. It is sad that this is happening, and these women need help. It is great that we do not ignore the problem any longer and are there for them ready to point to resources, provide help, advice, and support.
If you would like to help, you can send your tax deductible check to the following address:
The Mazel Institute
att: PARPAR
33 Blenford road, Brighton, MA
May Lord Almighty Bless you in the new 5768!
Team PARPAR
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