Verification

After seeing the warning signs of abuse in a relationship, the next step is verification and action.  Verification is accomplished by presenting details about the domestic situation to a qualified professional, usually a psychologist or social worker, who can then estimate the severity of the abuse and suggest a suitable plan of action.

At Miklat Bat-Melech there is a 24 hour hotline which can be called to verify an abusive situation. The hotline is manned by trained professionals from the shelter. While the call to the hotline may come from the abused woman herself, there are many circumstances where the call is made by a friend or family member. In more serious situations the call may be made by the police, hospital staff, or the local social welfare office.

Our staff receives special training for manning the hotline. Every effort is made to keep the caller calm, but at the same as the caller is speaking, our staff is analyzing the situation to help determine what immediate steps need to be taken. 

An emergency is defined as a case where a woman needs immediate shelter or legal services. Emergency cases are quickly passed on to the shelter manager who determines where the woman and her family can be placed.  If the caller is in need of legal services, then the case is transferred to Miklat’s Oz Ve’Hadar Center for Family Justice.

If the situation is not defined as an emergency, then either an in-person meeting with the woman and the Shelter Director is scheduled or the caller is given a consultation over the telephone.

In observant communities, there is often ignorance regarding the signs of abuse. Even if recognized, there is frequently great difficulty in determining what to do about it.  In many cases, it is only when the effects of domestic violence seriously affect the children that many observant women finally decide to take the drastic step of leaving their homes. Even when they finally come to this difficult decision, many of them have absolutely no idea of how to go about it.

If they are lucky enough to have a friend or relative who has heard about Miklat Bat-Melech from a seminar or radio program, then at least they know where to turn.  Alternatively, they may choose to consult with their Rabbi or Rebbitzin before contacting the shelter.  This creates additional challenges where the staff may first have to convince the Rabbi and/or Rebbitzin as to the religious credibility of Miklat Bat-Melech before there is even a chance of bringing the victim to safety.
 

SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED,
MIKLAT HAS PROVIDED LEGAL AID TO MORE THAN 4,600 ISRAELI WOMEN