Domestic Violence — Help and Support

Domestic violence is a criminal offence in Israel — regardless of cultural background or tradition. The Prevention of Family Violence Law (1991) allows obtaining a protection order within hours. If you are in danger, call the police immediately at 100, or the Ministry of Welfare hotline at 118 (24/7, Amharic available). Research shows that women from the Ethiopian-Israeli community under-report domestic violence due to fear of community stigma and lack of awareness of their rights. Seeking help is an act of courage and responsibility — not betrayal. All referrals to support services are confidential. According to the Knesset Research and Information Center, the share of Ethiopian-origin families referred to family-violence treatment centers, and the share of Ethiopian-origin women who have stayed in shelters for abused women, are significantly higher than the community's share of the general population — a figure that underscores the importance of seeking help early, not evidence that the phenomenon itself is more common within the community. Basic rights: • Right to a protection order — can be requested at the family court or police station. The order can remove the abuser from the home. • Right to free legal representation — the Legal Aid Bureau provides free representation for women who cannot afford a lawyer. • Right to a shelter — shelters provide accommodation, psychological support, legal advice, and rehabilitation assistance. • Children with women in shelters — you may arrive with children; the shelter will care for their needs as well.