Shira, a 32-year-old speech therapist and devoted mother of three, found herself struggling to balance her various roles. Amid the demands of work and motherhood, she faced the challenges of being a wife to a husband who constantly criticized and belittled her. His control over their finances and discouragement of social interactions left her isolated and overwhelmed. They’ve been in couples therapy in the past which resulted in everything being blamed on her. They recently started couples therapy again, but she isn’t sure that she even wants to go. She feels more anxious and scared after every session. Uncertain about the future of her marriage, Shira recalled a Shalom Task Force Workshop from her high school days, which shed light on different forms of abuse. Seeking a safe space to be heard, she mustered the courage to call their hotline, hoping for support and empowerment.
Jason, a caring man in his mid-30s, never imagined himself in an emotionally manipulative marriage. His once-loving wife started using subtle tactics to control him and undermine his self-confidence. She invaded his privacy by checking his phone, emails, and social media accounts, making him feel constantly watched and monitored. Jason’s wife belittled his achievements, criticized his abilities, and constantly compared him negatively to others, eroding his self-esteem and sense of worth. Feeling trapped and isolated, he stumbled upon Shalom Task Force’s hotline while searching for resources on abusive relationships. Seeking guidance and understanding, Jason reached out to the hotline.
How could calling Shalom Task Force help Shira or Jason? What can they expect?
Calling the Shalom Task Force Hotline is a significant step for many individuals, often marking the first time they verbalize abuse within their relationship. Privacy is crucial, as they fear their stories becoming known in the community. The hotline/chatline provides a confidential haven, where survivors can share their experiences and receive support. For three decades, Shalom Task Force has served the Jewish community, combatting domestic violence and promoting safe, healthy relationships. The confidential hotline provides a place to be heard, believed and helped. We offer safety planning, help exploring options, and access to resources like legal assistance and counseling through our extensive referral network. Shalom Task Force empowers survivors, respecting their right to self-determination, and doesn’t impose decisions upon callers. We provide guidance and support, allowing individuals to make choices aligned with their unique situations.
Is the hotline really anonymous? Is there any way for you to find out who I am?
We strive to prioritize the privacy and dignity of the caller or chatter throughout the conversation. Both the hotline and chatline utilize a platform uniquely designed for use by Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault services. The platform, therefore, does not display a phone number or any other information. At times, we might inquire about certain personal details, like age, location, family dynamics, and abuse experiences, to better understand your situation and needs and provide a more tailored referral if applicable. Sharing personal information is completely voluntary, and you are entirely free to only share information you are comfortable sharing. Shalom Task Force focuses on empowering survivors, offering support without imposing decisions. Advocates listen, believe, and provide guidance, maintaining respect for your boundaries to ensure a safe conversation.
Does the hotline receive calls from people in my community?
Domestic abuse knows no boundaries. It doesn’t discriminate based on location, gender, background, or religion. At Shalom Task Force, we understand this and offer support to survivors from any community. Our advocates receive extensive training to understand the diverse nuances of different communities. We receive calls and chats from survivors across various backgrounds and regions, including Modern Orthodox, Chassidic, Yeshivish, Sephardic, Bucharian, Syrian, Chabad, Persian, Israeli, Russian, and more, spanning the US, Europe, Israel, Australia, and beyond. Our commitment to providing support and resources knows no boundaries as we continually expand our referrals network to help survivors from all over the globe. No matter their background or location, if survivors are in need, we are here to listen and support.
Will you encourage me to get divorced? I don’t think that’s what I want to do.
Our hotline aims to support and empower you without pushing any specific agenda. We offer emotional support and reflective listening, helping you assess your unique situation and brainstorm options for your safety. Our focus is on assisting you in navigating your circumstances while considering all available alternatives. If we identify safety concerns, we will help explore ways to address them. The decision ultimately lies entirely with you. If you’re interested in legal resources, we can provide a referral to support you further. Our primary goal is to empower you and ensure you have the resources needed to make decisions aligned with your well-being.
Doesn’t Shalom Task Force only help women?
Shalom Task Force supports any and all callers- irrespective of their gender or any other characteristics. Domestic abuse affects people of all backgrounds. Men are encouraged to reach out as well, and we are here to provide them with the same compassionate and empathetic support we offer to all our callers. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone who reaches out to our hotline finds the help they deserve to navigate their unique circumstances.
What steps should I take? Can you provide guidance on what to do next?
We are here to offer emotional support and assist you in brainstorming numerous options to ensure your safety. While we can provide recommendations, our policy is to refrain from dictating an exact plan for what you should do next. We understand that it might be frustrating not to receive a straightforward answer, but we take your situation seriously and acknowledge that you possess the best understanding of yourself and your circumstances. Our role is to act as experts in providing support and helping you comprehend the available choices. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that you are the ultimate expert in your life. By empowering you to make decisions that align with your needs and values, we aim to support you in taking charge of your well-being and navigating your path forward.
What happens when I call and nobody answers the phone?
When calling and reaching our voicemail, two scenarios may occur: the hotline is closed or we are assisting another caller. In these cases, you have options: try again later, leave a voicemail, or if urgent, contact other available 24-hour hotlines. While your information remains confidential, leaving a voicemail means you are no longer anonymous. To ensure your safety, we ask that you indicate secure call-back times and communication safety concerns. Should you choose to leave a voicemail, we cannot guarantee a response time. For a prompt response, it is best to try the hotline again. We won’t leave a voicemail unless you explicitly confirm it’s safe. Our return call will appear as “Unknown ID” to prioritize your privacy.
Can I call more than once?
You can call more than once. When you call multiple times, please know that the hotline advocates do not have access to any previous conversations or personal information about you. As a result, you will need to provide information and context during each call, just as if it were their first time reaching out. The advocates will not have any knowledge of prior conversations or details shared in previous calls. This approach ensures the highest level of privacy and confidentiality for the callers, as their information is not recorded or stored. We have found that this allows callers to feel more comfortable and secure when seeking support and assistance without the concern that their personal details will be retained or traced back to them. With each call, the focus remains on providing the support and help needed during that particular interaction, respecting the caller’s anonymity and ensuring a safe and confidential environment for seeking assistance.
Can I call if I have a question about dating or relationships?
Our hotline advocates are trained to provide support around issues ranging from domestic abuse to everyday dating and relationship questions. Advocates are trained in providing a listening ear and tips on healthy or unhealthy relationships and can provide referrals for further professional guidance if indicated. We highly encourage you to call if you are looking to talk about red flags in a relationship. When providing our high school and campus educational workshops, we encourage students to call our hotline with any questions or concerns they may wish to discuss. This gives students an opportunity to start an important dialogue during what may be a sensitive stage in their lives.
I noticed something concerning my brother’s marriage; can I call?
Yes. Many of our calls are from concerned family members, friends, rabbis, and professionals. We can help you figure out how to best support them during this difficult time.
How can I help prevent abusive relationships?
As an agency deeply committed to promoting healthy relationships and preventing abusive dynamics, we firmly believe that the most effective way to achieve this is through preventive education. Shalom Task Force education department initiates its efforts in high school and extends its reach to community members at all stages of life. During the ‘22-‘23 school year, Shalom Task Force successfully reached over 14,000 individuals worldwide, including more than 9,000 high school students. By imparting crucial knowledge and fostering healthy relationship skills, our educational initiatives play a vital role in equipping individuals with the tools needed to recognize warning signs, promote respect, and break the cycle of abuse. Each step we take brings us closer to creating safer and supportive communities for everyone.
If you or someone you know is in need of Shalom Task Force’s help, call/text/WhatsApp our confidential hotline today at 888-883-2323 (Toll Free).
For more information, hotline hours of operation, and resources visit us at www.shalomtaskforce.org.
