Domestic Violence and the Jewish Woman

Abstract

This study was designed to examine associations among Jewish religious identifications, beliefs and traditions, and women's experiences of domestic violence in several Jewish sub-populations (Reform, Orthodox, or former Soviet emigre) who had sought help for domestic violence in the New York City area. Women were recruited through agencies affiliated with UJA-Federation Task Force on Family Violence and through Reform rabbis throughout the New York City metropolitan area. An in-depth interview was developed which focused on subjects' definitions of domestic violence, perceptions of social support, help-seeking within the religious and professional communities, and decision-making about their relationships. Women also provided demographic information and completed survey questions related to religiosity, denominational affiliation, and connection to Judaism. Standard measures addressed the types and severity of violence expereinced by the subject, the impact of partner violence, depression, and mental health functioning. Findings from this pilot study were limited by small sample size (N = 12) and the heterogeneity of experiences among participants. However, the investigators identified several critical issues related to conducting research on partner violence within the Jewish community.