The Haredi community continues to suffer from its structure
A writer at the Jerusalem Post had what to say about sexual abuse in the ultra-Orthodox community, following the latest scandal involving a Shomrim member in Bnei Brak. There is, unfortunately, a serious flaw in this piece:
Approximately one in five men and boys in Israel experiences sexual abuse in childhood, with some 63% of children treated belonging to the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community, according to a study by the Ne'emanei Torah Va'Avodah movement using data from the Welfare Ministry.On this, the article unfortunately is not accurate - even girls in Haredi societies aren't immune to sexual violence, as the the Malka Leifer scandal and even this one should make additionally clear. It's very sloppy of the writer not to take issues like those into consideration.
Paradoxically, in a society that seems to protect its own, the danger happens behind closed doors, in yeshivot, mikvehs, synagogues, and other exclusively male spaces where men ostensibly have nothing to fear.
While daughters in the community are heavily guarded, the boys are left less protected, with the abuse they endure buried in silence, and the victims become invisible.
Sexual abuse of religious men is not just a physical violation; it is a spiritual one that tears apart the victim's inner world. Unlike in the general public, victims in the Haredi community feel a triple betrayal: spiritual or communal leaders are the ones who betray and harm them. The father did not see or protect. God did not guard me. And the abuser, often a father figure or authority in the victim’s life, exploited and shed their blood.Well this is precisely why the insular structure is a serious problem, and the victims shouldn't have to remain there. If they can turn to the police about this, the police in turn should recommend they be able to turn to special outside sources who can help them recover. There are special sources cited in this article. But if they're meant for Haredi movements, that's still not enough. Even non-Haredi support movements can and must count.
The shame and guilt wrap the physical trauma in deep spiritual pain, sometimes leading to abandonment of religious identity or severing ties with the community. Many speak of despair, suicidal thoughts, and above all, a sense that there is no place and no one to talk to.
Labels: communications, haredi corruption, Israel, Judaism, misogyny, Moonbattery, political corruption, sexual violence
