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Friday October 19, 2007

Taking a strong stand against domestic abuse

This month, Shalom Bayit celebrates its 15th anniversary. Coinciding with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this is an auspicious time to salute Shalom Bayit, the Bay Area Jewish community’s bulwark against domestic violence.

There’s nothing controversial about taking a stand on domestic violence. Everyone is against it. Yet despite 15 years of service to battered Jewish women, despite 15 years of raising consciousness, Shalom Bayit and its dedicated staff still encounter incredulity.

“Domestic violence in Jewish homes? How can that be?” ask some. Sadly, it does occur, and more often then we might want to acknowledge. Yet day in and day out, Shalom Bayit (Hebrew for “peace in the home”) fosters the social change and community response necessary to stop the violence.

They are not the only ones.

This month, Washington, D.C.-based Jewish Women International launched what they call the Legal Project, designed to empower abuse victims and help them secure affordable legal counsel. The organization also launched a petition drive to demand Congress create a national network of volunteer attorneys to represent battered women.

One of those attorneys is profiled in our cover story this week. Berkeley lawyer and Orthodox Jew Joshua Safran made it his mission to free Deborah Peagler from prison. In 1983, Peagler was sentenced to 25 years to life for killing her husband, though evidence that he brutally abused her was not allowed in the trial.

Since then, the laws have changed. California courts today will take into account a history of abuse when determining the fate of defendants like Peagler. Safran has taken up her cause pro bono, and has vowed not to quit until his client is freed.

Seeking justice for women in Peagler’s situation is one aspect of the Jewish response to domestic violence. We also must support agencies like Shalom Bayit, not only in their efforts to assist victims but, perhaps more importantly, to change broader perceptions about this deeply disturbing issue.

We wish there were no need for an organization like Shalom Bayit. Founder Naomi Tucker would probably love to close up shop for lack of business. Unfortunately, that day has not yet come. As long as Jewish women suffer from domestic abuse, Tucker’s caring volunteers will be there to rescue them.

Congratulations to Shalom Bayit. With the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation naming the organization an official beneficiary, we can look forward to many more years of holy work.

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