New Survey Reveals Public Shift on Domestic Violence Post-October 7
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A new WIZO survey shows 81% of Israelis no longer consider domestic violence a private matter, with 50% believing incidents have increased since October 7th. A large majority would intervene if they suspected or knew of domestic violence. The public ranks a national program to combat violence against women as a top priority, with WIZO's CEO calling for urgent government action and funding.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 81% of Israelis now believe domestic violence is not a private matter, a shift post-October 7.
- Half of Israelis think domestic violence has increased since the October 7th attacks.
- Nearly 90% of Israelis would actively intervene in suspected domestic violence cases.
- Public ranks a national program to combat violence against women as a top priority.
- WIZO CEO calls for national mobilization and government funding to fight domestic violence.
A recent survey conducted by WIZO, obtained by Maariv, indicates a significant change in public perception regarding domestic violence since the October 7th attacks. The study reveals that 81% of the public no longer view domestic violence as a private matter that bystanders should ignore. However, this view is more prevalent among the Arab population (28%), low-income individuals, and the Haredi community. Only 10% of adults in Israel are unaware of the phenomenon of domestic violence.
Approximately 50% of respondents believe that domestic violence incidents have increased since October 7th. In situations where a woman in one's close circle is suspected of experiencing domestic violence, a vast majority (around 87%) are inclined to act. This includes 33% who would contact the police or welfare services, and 25% who would speak directly with the woman to understand the situation. A smaller percentage (4%) indicated they would do nothing.
When the violence is confirmed, 91% of people stated they would take active steps, with 29% planning to contact the police and 21% intending to approach authorities. Only 3% said they would do nothing in such a confirmed case.
Despite the increased willingness to intervene, the public appears frustrated with the government's perceived inaction on the issue. The development and funding of a national program to combat violence against women ranked third among the most important measures for promoting women's safety, chosen by 32% of respondents. WIZO's CEO, Assouline, emphasized that the state bears primary responsibility for leading the fight against domestic violence, especially given the escalation of the phenomenon during the ongoing conflict. She called for a strengthened, budgeted national program to address prevention, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Assouline stressed that the safety of hundreds of thousands of women and children must be a top priority, requiring a national mobilization with clear government policy, goals, and budgets, rather than relying solely on public awareness or civil society organizations.
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