Month of Struggle Against Violence Begins With Woman's Murder

The month dedicated to combating violence against women opened with the murder of a woman in Petah Tikva by her partner, marking the 17th such killing this year and the fourth in the past month. The community of organizations fighting violence against women expressed shock and urged the newly elected Knesset to act swiftly.

"This month, when we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we cannot allow another case of gender-based violence to slip under the police's radar," stated an activist. "Any government that is formed must prioritize our safety and ensure effective protection in the home, a place that should be the safest for us."

Since the beginning of October, four women have been murdered by their partners. This period has seen a 135% increase in domestic homicides compared to previous months. Since October 7, 2023, 84 people have been killed in domestic violence incidents, including 72 women and eight children, a 37% surge. The Michal Sela Forum, in cooperation with the Ministry of Welfare, has provided protection to 1,108 women under threat and 4,209 at-risk children.

"We must not accept a reality where women are murdered in their homes, sometimes before the eyes of their children. Every such case compels us as a society to increase awareness of warning signs of relationship violence, expand protection systems, and act to prevent the next murder," the organization stated.