Study Finds Jewish Family Purity Laws Can Trigger Trauma in Sexual Assault Survivors

A recent study by Shulamit Shparber, a certified sex therapist and trauma researcher at the University of Haifa, reveals that Jewish family purity laws (taharat hamishpacha) can trigger traumatic memories and emotional distress in women who have survived sexual assault. These laws, which require women to abstain from intimacy during menstruation and immerse in a ritual bath (mikveh) after a seven-day period, impose strict bodily obligations that survivors may experience as invasive and retraumatizing.

Shparber and Professor Atarat Gaviratz Midan conducted research involving 88 women, averaging 36 years old, who shared their experiences balancing religious observance with trauma recovery. The study found that many survivors dissociate during these rituals, performing them on 'autopilot' to cope with overwhelming emotions. The physical nature of the laws, including vaginal examinations and immersion in the mikveh under the supervision of a female attendant (balanit), can evoke memories of abuse and feelings of loss of control.

The research highlights obsessive-compulsive behaviors around cleanliness and purity, linked to survivors' feelings of contamination and shame. The religious language of "impurity" can exacerbate these feelings, making it crucial for rabbis and community leaders to clarify that these terms are symbolic and not personal judgments. Power dynamics also play a role, as the mikveh attendant's authority and the need to consult male rabbis about women's bodies can reinforce feelings of objectification and vulnerability.

Shparber emphasizes the importance of autonomy and choice for survivors, encouraging flexible observance of the laws to reduce harm. Examples include allowing immersion without an attendant, postponing intimacy, or adjusting the timing of the mikveh. Support from partners is also vital in creating a healing environment. The findings will be discussed further in a live podcast event on August 14, supporting LGBTQ+ youth in distress.

This study sheds light on the complex intersection of religious practice and trauma, advocating for compassionate adaptations to support survivors within traditional frameworks.