A recent study has revealed that one in ten Israelis is a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV), shedding light on the alarming prevalence of domestic abuse in the country.
The comprehensive report, the result of a collaboration between the interministerial committee on domestic violence, the Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry, and the Red Lines initiative to combat IPV, has identified significant trends in violence between intimate partners, emphasizing the need for enhanced preventive measures and intervention strategies.
The study, conducted through surveys and focus groups with professional oversight from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, aimed to quantify the scope of IPV, recognize patterns, and develop strategies for treatment and prevention.
Violence Against Women: A Disturbing Reality
The findings present a troubling picture, especially for women. According to the report, 5.3% of Israeli women, approximately 142,000 individuals, experienced physical violence from their partners in the past year.
More alarmingly, 3.6% of women, around 96,000, endured severe IPV, which encompasses more extreme forms of physical harm and life-threatening behaviors.
Additionally, 8% of women reported being subjected to sexual violence by their partners, 9% encountered nonphysical violence, and 4% were victims of economic abuse.
The data underscores that violence in intimate relationships is not limited to physical harm. Psychological, emotional, and economic abuse remains widespread, and these forms of violence often go unnoticed by authorities due to underreporting.
Men Also Suffer
While IPV is commonly associated with female victims, the study reveals that men are also significantly impacted. About 3.8% of Israeli men, roughly 100,000 individuals, suffered IPV in the last 12 months.
The report highlights that 1.9%, or 50,000 men, experienced severe violence, while 9.8% were affected by nonphysical abuse, and 6% reported being subjected to sexual violence. Furthermore, 3% of men suffered from economic abuse.
These findings challenge the common perception that IPV predominantly affects women, illustrating the need for inclusive support systems that cater to all victims, regardless of gender.
The Hidden Crisis: Underreporting of IPV
One of the most concerning aspects of the study is the underreporting of IPV cases, particularly among men. The majority of IPV victims in Israel do not report incidents to authorities, such as welfare services.