Family Violence Claims 20 Lives in Israel Since Year's Start

The "Michal Sela Forum," an organization dedicated to combating femicide and domestic violence, has released alarming statistics regarding family violence in Israel. As of the beginning of the year, 20 individuals have been killed by their relatives. The victims include 13 women, four men, a six-year-old child, a three-year-old toddler, and an infant. The Forum also highlighted two additional incidents: a nine-year-old girl accidentally shot by her father while he was aiming at her brother, and a nine-year-old boy who survived an attempted murder by his father. Firearms were used in eight of the 20 homicides, with at least one weapon being legally licensed. According to the Michal Sela Forum, domestic killings have surged by an unprecedented 36% since October 7, 2023. During this period, 79 people have fallen victim to such murders, including 68 women and seven children. The majority of these victims are from the Jewish sector. Experts note that the holiday season exacerbates family tensions. Extended weekends, prolonged time spent indoors, and disruptions to daily routines push stress levels to dangerous limits. The break from work or school reduces personal space for at-risk women and children, confining them at home where minor conflicts can escalate into severe aggression.