Jewish women launch campaign

The group, established in the 1920s, says studies have shown a Jewish woman will stay in an abusive relationship five to seven times longer than a non-Jew, because of the importance Jewish culture places on maintaining a peaceful home and preserving the family unit.

Jewish women launch campaign
by NICHOLAS KEUNG - IMMIGRATION/DIVERSITY REPORTER
Toronto Star, Canada
April 4, 2006


The Chinese Canadian community isn't the only one tackling domestic abuse. A Toronto Jewish group launched its own three-month public campaign yesterday on a subject that's often considered taboo.

"This is a bold campaign with our message: There is a Jewish woman you know being abused," said Penny Krowitz of Jewish Women International of Canada.

"There's still a lack of open dialogue about it in the community. People think that we shouldn't air our dirty laundry in public and let's keep it in the family."

The charitable group is using three billboards along the Bathurst St. corridor — at Transwell Ave., York Downs Dr. and Glencairn Ave. — to promote its message, each featuring the image of a distraught woman with a black eye. One of the billboards was unveiled yesterday.

`People think that we shouldn't air our dirty laundry in public.' -- Penny Krowitz

Volunteers and staff are also approaching businesses and synagogues in Jewish neighbourhoods, asking to place poster-size versions in windows.

The group, established in the 1920s, says studies have shown a Jewish woman will stay in an abusive relationship five to seven times longer than a non-Jew, because of the importance Jewish culture places on maintaining a peaceful home and preserving the family unit.

The campaign is being launched in time for Passover, from April 13 to 20, celebrating Jewish freedom. The hope is it will serve as a model for other ethnic groups.

"Domestic abuse is a problem for everyone, regardless of religion, education, heritage, social and economic class," said Krowitz, whose group runs a shelter for abused women and their families.

"The problem is, by not `airing our dirty laundry,' we put women at a greater risk."