Legally dealing with domestic violence
Domestic violence is a social phenomenon that severely affects family members who are exposed to it and is a common cause for divorce. No matter what segment of the population you come from, violence can corner you and leave you and those who suffer from it with serious mental and physical scars.
The background to domestic violence can be different, but what all cases have in common is the fact that violence within the family unit, a framework that is supposed to be protected, protective, and safe, is not something that one should live with in peace.
Violence can exist between spouses and can also be directed towards children. In some families, violence is part of the routine and no efforts are made to eradicate it, while in other families, it is a matter of living in the shadow of fear and despite the will (usually of the woman). divorce, She remains bound by the shackles of violence to which she is accustomed.
In the important review before you, I explain Editor Justice Sharon Segal About the types of violence possible within the family, what protections exist under the law in Israel, and offers ways to cope if you, God forbid, witness domestic violence. This is so that no one is forced to live in constant threat, in a life filled with violence and suffering.
Prohibited and serious types of violence
Verbal violence – is expressed in shouting, cursing, threats, accusations and tantrums between the couple and/or towards the children. This type of violence does not leave physical marks, but it has severe emotional consequences for all those affected by it.
Mental violence – The stepsister of verbal violence, which often appears in “elegant” and hidden ways, such as possessiveness, bigotry, isolation and distancing of the woman from friends and family, humiliation, belittling, and more.
Those who suffer from psychological violence are not necessarily aware that they are victims of that violence, and because it is hidden, it is sometimes difficult to identify and diagnose.
Economic violence – Joins the “silent” group of domestic violence cases. It is usually a situation in which the partner prevents access to the family’s financial resources, controls the bank accounts, restricts the woman from spending money, forces her to report all financial conduct, and so on.
Physical violence – Any type of physical assault, from slapping to more aggressive behavior such as punching, choking, and in extreme cases even murder.
Sexual violence – Coercion to have sex without consent. Sexual violence can occur between a man and his wife and can even be demonstrated towards children in the form of incest.
Legal protection in Israel
The types of violence described above are all criminal offenses as determined by the Israeli court system. There are two main laws aimed at protecting those who suffer from domestic violence: the Law for the Prevention of Threatening Harassment and the Law for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
When it comes to preventing domestic violence, the mother will usually turn to a lawyer to ask the court for protection from the husband. The law allows for the imposition of prohibitions on the violent party and between them. Order Protection, through which the violent party can be prevented from entering the shared residence.
As for the Law for the Prevention of Threatening Harassment, it is a law that aims to provide protection to anyone who experiences threatening harassment, which violates their freedom, privacy and/or body. The penalty for threatening harassment is three years in prison and anyone who witnessed such harassment is entitled to receive from the court Order to prevent threatening harassment.
What can and should be done now?
If you are suffering from domestic violence, of any kind, it is very important to contact a professional and seek help. If both partners are willing to admit the problem and want to try to resolve it peacefully, the abusive partner should be willing to receive treatment in support groups for batterers, and then, if the process is successful, couples therapy will also be of great importance.
Although, unfortunately, there are cases where real-time treatment does not help and there is a real threat to the lives of the woman and children, then more extreme measures must be taken, the first of which is the removal of the woman and children from the abusive husband.
Contacting agencies such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and women’s organizations such as Naamat or WIZO is necessary in cases where the violent party does not show a willingness to take care of themselves and put an end to the violence. If it is an emergency, you can also contact emergency lines operated by the agencies mentioned above, in order to receive temporary shelter, for example in a shelter for battered women.
In any case, we emphasize and say that if there is a desire to leave the relationship and end it legally, that is, By divorce, it is very important to contact For an experienced family law attorney And in any case, do not make rash decisions before consulting.
A violent man who learns that his wife is planning to separate from him may escalate his violence towards her and/or the children, and therefore it is very worthwhile to seek the help of the legal system in Israel, and in particular a lawyer, who will stand by your side and ensure that your safety and the safety of the children remain out of danger.
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