Every year, dozens of women are murdered in Israel, and many more suffer from domestic violence in all its forms, day in and day out.
Women for Women aims to spearhead social change, empowering and promoting women to break free from the cycle of violence.
Women
Victims of violence come from all walks of life, diverse cultures, and all age groups.
Most have had unstable career or none at all. In fact, only 30% of the women were employed before seeking refuge in the shelter. Thus, they are facing many challenges in adjusting to independent life and its responsibilities.
These women often lack basic life skills and self-confidence. Moreover, violence undermines their ability to integrate into society, make a progress, and utilize their talents. Consequently, many struggle with ongoing instability, relying on government financial aid or returning to the abusive environment they escaped from.
Our core belief is that everyone holds untapped potential and abilities, which may be nurtured in the right environment. By identifying their strengths, interests, and relevant skills, we can support women in their efforts to complete social integration offering personal development, training, and empowerment.
We aspire to help all woman achieve economic independence by strengthening confidence in their capabilities, fostering a sense of self-worth, and empowering each to make educated choices in her life.
Children and adolescents
In the shelter, we have kids ranging from newborns to 18-year-olds, including women who arrive while pregnant and give birth during their stay. All children who arrive at the shelter experienced domestic violence, and we witness its effects on their behavior, communication, and emotional well-being.
Most children witnessed their mothers suffer physical and mental abuse. Our shelter offers a nurturing and supportive environment embracing children in a positive educational and cultural environment from the moment they arrive until they leave.
We offer facilities for different age groups, including a nursery for ages 0-3, a kindergarten for ages 3-6, and an after-school programs for ages 7-18. Additionally, we have designated play areas with various activities and outdoor playground. For those needing extra support, we provide a separate study room with personal assistance. kids and teens ages 7-18 study in schools across the city, according to their ages, needs, and interests.
Adolescents
Teenagers in the shelter not only face the typical challenges of adolescence but also carry the weight of past trauma from the cycle of domestic violence.
To provide comprehensive support, we have designed housing units within the shelter to accommodate women with a teenager, ensuring privacy and comfort. These units are equipped with kitchenettes, bathrooms, two bedrooms, and a common living area.
Our envelope framework for children and adolescents includes emotional, educational, and social programs, both personal and in groups. This encompasses parenting guidance for mothers, integration into school environments, academic tutoring, psychotherapy, art therapy, recreational activities such as cinema night, bowling, swimming, and club car trips, as well as special programs for the summer break and the holidays.
Therapy
therapy plays a key role in the process of exiting the cycle of violence. Within the shelter, social
workers proficient in both Hebrew and Arabic provide tailored support to women and children. Upon arrival, a social worker offers an initial consultation to discuss shelter guidelines, women rights and duties, daily schedules and more. This will provide the social worker with initial assessment of the situation before commencing treatment. Following treatment may encompass both individual and group sessions, addressing a range of topics.
Social workers at the shelter collaborate closely with welfare authorities in the woman's city of
origin, as well as various training, empowerment, and rights advocacy programs to ensure
comprehensive support for each woman.
Culture and Leisure time
As part of our belief that every woman has the potential to break free from the cycle of violence, the shelter offers a variety of enrichment and empowerment activities including Hebrew lessons, computer skills workshops, styling, martial arts and self-defense, excursions, culture, sports activities and more.
Legal Counseling
All women in the shelter are entitled to legal assistance throughout their stay in hope to complete most legal proceedings.
Legal support is designed to empower every woman to advocate for her rights and is an integral part of the comprehensive program in the shelter.
Each woman receives initial legal counseling in her language (Hebrew/Arabic), aimed at presenting all legal options and preparing her for the expected proceedings.
Legal counseling provided, assists women in matters such as custody, alimony, debt, housing and property rights to present her entitlements whether she chooses to separate from her partner or work towards reconciliation.
The lawyer represents the woman before legal, judicial, and governmental authorities, religious courts, social welfare offices, and family courts, and prepares her for these proceedings.