There has been a great deal of research on intimate partner violence, but few studies address its presence in faith-based communities. One survey within a Jewish community suggests that this is a significant problem that needs to be addressed (Ephross, 1996). Other studies have focused on the Jewish community in Israel (Rabin, 1999; Rabin, Markus & Voghera, 1999; Slonim, Sharaga & Mirsky, 2000) and in the United States (Butler, 2000; Cwik, 1997; Twerski, 1996); although, of the U.S. studies, one is an anecdotal account and another is a survey of Rabbis of three Jewish denominations. However, none of the studies address intimate partner violence within the Orthodox community, and none examine women survivors' direct accounts. A few studies address religious values and domestic violence in Christian communities, but none are empirically based (Foss & Warnke, 2003; Giesbrecht & Sevcik, 2000; Nelson-Clark, 2003). The present study provides empirical data of intimate partner violence in the traditional-Orthodox Jewish (Frum) community from the perspectives of women survivors, Rabbis, activists and Orthodox mental health professionals. The interviews focused on the causes of intimate partner violence, the cultural and religious barriers to speaking up, and the role of Rabbis in education and intervention.

Methods

This qualitative study included open-ended interviews with ten Orthodox Rabbis, activists and professionals, and with eight Orthodox women survivors of intimate partner violence. The following research questions were investigated:

1. What are the causes of intimate partner violence in the Orthodox community? 2. Are there barriers for women seeking help? 3. What are the cultural and religious values that effect community attitudes? 4. What is the role of religious leaders in education and intervention?

The interviews were manually transcribed to protect confidentiality. The data was analyzed using the constant comparison method of grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Through this process, the investigators assigned basic coding categories to the data, and then grouped these categories into larger aggregates, from which general themes were abstracted.

Findings

Three key findings have been identified:

1. The causes for intimate partner violence in the Orthodox community include early marriage, separation of the sexes, and male privilege

2. Religious beliefs and values that serve as barriers for speaking up include modesty, the evil tongue, family harmony, and obtaining a good match.

3. The role of Rabbis in education and intervention was found to be significant. However, there were marked differences in perspectives between the Rabbis and the survivors regarding the Rabbis' efficacy in addressing the problem.

Summary

Orthodox women survivors discussed significant religious and cultural barriers to speaking up about intimate partner violence and obtaining support and access to legal, financial and mental health services. Additionally, there is low community awareness and lack of training for Rabbis. Intimate partner violence is still highly stigmatized and therefore a hidden reality in the community and many women are afraid to speak up or request services. Finally, a discussion of recommendations for education, training and intervention services, and plans for further research will be presented.