Alarming Rise in Sexual Violence and Multiple Abuse Types Among At-Risk Israeli Youth in 2025

In 2025, the Israeli NGO Elem reported a dramatic increase in violence experienced by at-risk youth. The proportion of youths treated by Elem who suffered sexual violence tripled from 18% in 2024 to 50% in 2025. Other forms of violence also surged: domestic violence nearly doubled from 20% to 38%, violence outside the home rose from 31% to 53%, and online violence more than doubled from 17% to 40%. Additionally, youth involvement in prostitution increased from 9% to 32%, while the rate of sexual offenders among them quintupled from 3% to 16%. Over 40% of these youths experienced three or more types of violence, compared to 17% the previous year.

Elem’s 2025 report, titled "Cracks Revealed," highlights a shift from a "false resilience" in 2024, when youths suppressed emotional distress, to an open eruption of trauma in 2025. The relative decrease in acute security emergencies paradoxically allowed trauma to surface, accompanied by anxiety, loneliness, anger, violence, and loss of direction. Elem’s CEO, Tali Erez, noted the prevalence of violence across all environments, with tensions easily ignited by minor triggers.

The report also reveals that 66% of those experiencing domestic or sexual violence have suicidal thoughts, 61% of those facing online violence self-harm, and 69% involved in violence outside the home have a history of criminal behavior. Substance abuse worsened, with alcohol use rising from 60% to 66%, severe alcohol abuse doubling from 8% to 15%, and drug use increasing from 37% to 45%. Other escalating issues include poverty and hunger (16% to 21%), homelessness (7% to 12%), and eating disorders (11% to 27%).

Suicide rates among youths who experienced loss were 3.7 times higher than those who did not, with 82% reporting loneliness and 75% depression or anxiety. Overall, depression and anxiety rose from 41% to 50% among Elem’s youth. Gender differences emerged: boys showed higher rates of substance use and risky behavior, while girls reported more internalized distress, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies.

Comparing two rounds of conflict with Iran, Elem found a sharp deterioration in mental health and behavior, including a 70% rise in self-harm reports and a 73% increase in anger levels. The NGO emphasized that at-risk youth are no longer confined to traditionally vulnerable groups; the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security challenges have blurred boundaries, making risk a widespread reality for Israeli adolescents.