Rabbinical Council of Victoria

3 Adar-II 5771
9 March 2011

Rabbis Work Against Domestic Violence

The RCV was privileged to hear this week from Debbie Gross of The Crisis Centre for Religious Women in Jerusalem. Debbie Gross is widely respected for her leading work in the areas of family violence, sexual assault and child abuse. She works closely with members of the Knesset and the Israeli Rabbinate and has received numerous awards in recognition of her tireless efforts on behalf of vulnerable women and children throughout the Jewish world. Her visit to Australia has been organized by the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence (JTAFV).

During her stay in Melbourne, Ms Gross is presenting a serious of training programs for rabbis and rebbetzins respectively on the theme of how to appropriately respond to disclosures of family violence. Referring to the important role played by rabbis and rebbetzins in dealing with cases of abuse, RCV Immediate Past President, Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant, said that “studies have shown that victims are more likely to come forward when their spiritual leaders and mentors provide appropriate and responsible advice and support. It is thus crucial that our religious leadership receive professional training in these areas and we are grateful that the JTAFV and Debbie Gross are playing a vital role in providing such training”, he said.