History of the Jewish Taskforce

Family Violence exists in every community and in every culture but only recently have we as a society resolved to confront the reality of family violence and sexual assault and its long-term repercussions on families.  The Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence Inc. actively advances community education and awareness by organizing instructive forums presented by renowned world experts as well as educational initiatives utilizing creative tools such as theatre and the arts. For the past 15 years the Taskforce has worked closely with the Rabbinate, Jewish Care and mainstream service providers including the Police.  We have especially devoted many programs towards school age children promoting the recognition of healthy relationships, to ensure that young people maintain respectful relationships leading to the creation of safe, happy homes in the future.

Successful Initiatives of the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence Inc.    1995-2009 

2009

• Guest Speaker at the inaugural event of the Jewish Alliance Against Family Violence in partnership with Jewish Care, NSW- “Intimacy and Abuse- a Discussion on Rape in Marriage”, Sydney, Australia.

• The Toilet Door Project is an innovative outreach project to inform and provide help-line contact numbers in response to crises and trauma. These are to be placed on the backs of toilet doors of all Jewish Day Schools and will expand to community centers, synagogues, libraries theatres and sporting facilities.

2008

• The JTAFV becomes a member of DV Victoria
  
  
• The JTAFV becomes an affiliate of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria

• The  JTAFV guides and assists Jewish Care, NSW in their efforts to establish a community response to family violence.  Instructive workshops take place in Melbourne and Sydney.

• The JTAFV Young Division is established by university students. Initiatives include the JTAFV Junior Division Group on Facebook and “Have a Chat@Safespace”

• Participation in Sydney based conference “Sexual Abuse in a Religious Context” co-sponsored by Jewish Care, Vic.

• Training session for second intake of SL Phone Responders

• Our Community Says NO! a week long community education lecture series presented by visiting internationally recognized expert on child and adolescent trauma and renowned author, Professor David Pelcovitz, Ph.D. Over 1500 Melbourne professionals and community members attended sessions by Professor Pelcovitz addressing the prevention of Child Sexual Assault and the process of healing for victims of assault.

2007

• The JTAFV becomes incorporated.

• Training program for the first intake of Support Line Phone Responders

• The Establishment and Launch of The Jewish Taskforce Support Line - an interstate telephone support service staffed by highly trained responders. 

• The JTAFV Inc. is currently encouraging sexual assault awareness and prevention programs within all Jewish Day Schools at every level. 

• Workshops for mainstream service providers to enhance the understanding of Jewish cultural needs ie. family life, religious traditions and rituals.    

2006

• “Challenging the Myths of Family Violence and Sexual Assault” a series of professional workshops exploring current and innovative approaches relevant to the Jewish and mainstream communities,” presented by Ms. Debbie Gross, founder and director of The Crises Centre for Religious Women, Jerusalem. Two hundred and fifty professional service providers from within the Jewish community including the Rabbinate as well as outside mainstream service providers participated in this forum.  This project was presented in partnership with Jewish Care, Victoria.

2005

• “In the Name of Love” - an educational forum to promote healthy relationships in our community,” presented by Ms. Debbie Gross, founder and director of The Crises Center for Religious Women, Jerusalem.  Fifteen hundred people participated in this forum including the Rabbinate, Jewish Day Schools and community presentations.
  
  
• “Never in A Jewish Home” – Pocket Size information & referral brochure 

2003

• “Making your Home a Safer Place for your Family” What every caring Parent, Grandparent and Babysitter needs to know coordinated in association with KIDSAFE, Royal Children’s Hospital and Hatzolah. 

2002

• “Flowers Aren’t Enough.”  A one woman theatrical performance and follow-up discussion exposing the complicated issues of family violence.  This play was performed in 6 Jewish Day Schools, 2 community performances and one Hebrew speaking performance. 

2000

•  “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling.” An International Video Link up with renowned psychiatrist, author and Jewish expert on family violence, Dr. Rabbi Abraham Twerski, USA.
  
  
• Guest Lecturer in Orthodox Rabbinical Association Annual Convention – Family Violence, Social Issues
  

1998

• Community Breakfast-  Featuring Ms. Pepe Trevor, acclaimed star of Mum’s the Word”.

1997

• “The Shame Borne in Silence” – Introductory forum in the Ultra-Orthodox community based on the book The Shame Borne in Silence by renowned Psychiatrist, Dr. Rabbi Abraham Twerski.

1996

• The Launch of the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence Brochure defining Family Violence and providing a Jewish response through the Message Bank, in the presence of the Hon. Justice Alastair Nicholson, AO RFD, Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia.

1995

• The establishment of The Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence with the support of Women Caring for Women, Melbourne and Jewish Care, Victoria.