WIZO program aids 200 women and 300 children rebuilding after abuse
Speakers at a Tel Aviv conference on Tuesday detailed the logistical and emotional hurdles survivors face after leaving shelters.
By Sarah Reynolds ·
WIZO convened a conference in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to address the challenges women face after leaving abusive partners, a gathering held ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.
Three women shared their experiences with Tzomchot Yachad, a WIZO initiative that provides ongoing support to survivors. The program currently operates in 12 communities across Israel, serving approximately 200 women and 300 children who have exited abusive relationships or shelters. The service includes weekly meetings, volunteer assistance, and guidance on accessing legal rights, employment, and parenting resources.
One mother of three noted that the transition from shelter to independent life often involves a lack of social connection. She told the audience that she sought a sense of belonging and found it in the group, where members waited to see her and offered care. Another participant, a mother of two, identified loneliness as the most difficult aspect of leaving shelter. She explained that abuse can erode positive feelings, making it hard for outsiders to understand the recovery process.
The third woman, a single mother with a son who has special needs, described how the community helped her overcome fears about her child’s development. She immigrated to Israel alone and initially worried about leaving her nonverbal son in another room during group activities. She reported that within months, her son was talking, interacting with peers, and seeking out friends, even during periods of war.
Dr. Shlomit Kaminka, founder and CEO of the Israeli Society for Human Resource Management, spoke to the role of employers in identifying distress. She described a training program developed with WIZO that prepares human resources staff to notice behavioral changes and support employees. Kaminka stated that managers often see employees more frequently than family members, making them key observers.
Yasmin Rubin-Cooper, director of the Drawing the Lines initiative, emphasized the need for men to participate in prevention efforts. She noted that men constitute half of the population and are part of the solution. A commissioned survey cited by WIZO found that 81 percent of respondents rejected the notion that domestic violence is a private matter, while half believed the issue had increased since October 7.
Marsel Asulin, CEO of World WIZO, called for a government response with specific policies, targets, and budgets. She stated that the fight against violence cannot rely solely on public vigilance or civil society organizations. The event concluded with the mother of three noting that sustained support can allow a whole family to be reborn.
