One in four women and one in seven men will be victims of domestic violence or abuse in their lifetimes.
Domestic violence or abuse is a pattern of behavior that one uses to gain and maintain power control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, financial, spiritual, or sexual.
Anyone can be affected by domestic violence…regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion, profession, education, and socioeconomic background. Abuse occurs in dating relationships, cohabitation, or marriage.
It isn’t always easy to recognize domestic violence. Often, abuse develops gradually over time. Some signs are more obvious than others. If you recognize any of the signs below, or if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there is help available. It is not your fault, and you are not alone.
Physical abuse is any intentional and unwanted contact. Physical abuse includes slapping, punching, biting, kicking, or using a foreign object to inflict pain to one’s body.
Emotional abuse is the most common form of control and may also exist in relationships with or without physical violence. This includes put-downs, name-calling, isolation from friends and family, and insults to hurt one’s self-esteem. The victim may begin to feel as if the abuse is his or her fault or deserved. Emotional/psychological abuse can also include the threat of inflicting pain.
By controlling and limiting a person’s access to financial means, an abusive partner can ensure the victim will have limited resources if there are thoughts of leaving the relationship. Economic abuse includes limiting or restricting one’s access to employment or education, and limiting access to funds, making it difficult to meet basic needs.
Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, through force or coercion. Perpetrators and victims do not have to be strangers for the sexual activity to be considered abuse. Most victims of sexual abuse know their abuser.
No victim should suffer in silence. We believe in listening to people, respecting their decisions and providing information, counseling, advocacy and referral to appropriate resources. Our immediate priorities are safety and empowerment of victims and loved ones. All services are confidential and free.
CHANA’s crisis intervention services encompass short-term immediate assistance and support for urgent safety issues. Regardless of whether someone chooses to remain in her or his home or seeks to leave, we encourage people to discuss their situation with one of our experienced, compassionate advocates. Together, we will evaluate the danger level and help the client devise a plan for increased safety at home, work, and in the community.
CHANA’s crisis intervention services include:
Prepare for the possibility of an incident happening. No one can control an abuser’s use of violence. But, you can plan how to respond to future abusive or violent incidents. At CHANA, we work with every client to develop a safety plan to enhance safety, whether or not the client is staying in a relationship or chooses to leave. While each plan is individualized, there are factors to consider at every stage of a client’s journey that usually are not obvious to those who do not have an expertise in abuse. Throughout, CHANA will review and update the plan as the situation evolves. For all clients, CHANA works with clients to develop a safety plan that addresses concerns such as these:
Justice, healing and safety for survivors. CHANA seeks justice and legal resolutions with victims and survivors of domestic violence. CHANA’s legal advocates provide information and support to those who have experienced domestic violence. The more educated and well-versed victims become, the more empowered they are to make informed decisions while navigating the judicial system. Legal services: Discuss the legal process; provide information to help make informed decisions; and pursue civil,criminal and religious legal remedies.
Begin to heal and rebuild lives. Victims and survivors of domestic violence almost always bear emotional scars as a result of the abuse. CHANA’s trauma-informed counselors help clients understand the dynamics of abuse, discuss the variety of feelings clients may be experiencing,, and create individualized and ongoing safety plans. Victims meet with advocates who listen and offer helpful tools and skills on ways to manage the difficult emotions, heal from trauma, connect to community resources and move forward with life safely.
Gain sense of empowerment and hope. In a support group, participants learn about the dynamics of domestic violence, talk with peers and clinicians about their experiences and hear stories from others who have experienced abuse in their relationships.
Group settings can be beneficial, especially for those who have been in an abusive relationship for an extended period of time, because these victims frequently become isolated from friends and family and may not have an extensive support network. A support group is also a resource for those who are unsure of their next step, even if it involves remaining in their current relationship. CHANA’s support groups ensure that no victim must navigate their journey on their own and reduces feelings of shame and isolation.
CHANA’s groups are led by trauma-informed professionals. CHANA provides a range of support groups throughout the year.
CHANA provides a variety of shelter options for victims.
At CHANA, the role of consultation takes many forms. CHANA works with people affected directly by domestic violence and provides support to concerned family members and friends. CHANA is also a community resource and supports community organizations to address abuse within their establishments.
CHANA provides services and therapy that meet the cultural and religious needs of clients. Many members of local clergy are comfortable calling CHANA to collaborate on handling a sensitive situation within their organization. We have developed positive working relationships with local schools, camps and community organizations to collaborate on projects, develop protocols and create a sensitive and intentional plan of action when facing concerns of abuse.
As an agency of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, CHANA understands the unique needs of the Jewish community across all denominations.
We are dedicated to helping people who have experienced domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual abuse and elder abuse find safety and healing. CHANA provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families, while educating communities as part of the movement to end teen dating violence and abuse.
At CHANA, we stand with you.
– The Talmud
The Talmud teaches that anyone who has the ability to correct a situation and is derelict in doing so bears the responsibility for whatever results. If abuse is not acknowledged, it is tolerated. Standing by while a sin is being committed is a violation of Jewish law. Abuse is happening in our neighborhoods. We cannot stand by.
Shalom Bayit (peace in the home) is everyone’s responsibility. It includes cooperation, patience, mutual respect, and understanding. Making one person responsible for the success of a relationship undermines the very nature of a relationship that is to be based on mutuality, collaboration, and teamwork.
Here are some Jewish insights into the issue of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence:
House of Ruth Maryland
410-889-7884
Jewish Women International
202-857-1300
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
301-565-2277
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
310-429-3601
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program at GBMC
443-849-3323
