End Violence against Palestinian Women in Israel

Dear Friends,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge us all, we continue to appreciate your support during these difficult times, which have disproportionately affected the lives of Palestinian women.

Our support hotline continues to provide crucial support to Arab Palestinian women, who are very much in need of empowerment and holistic support due to the uncertainty and challenges faced by Arab society, and particularly Arab women, during these times of crisis. As you may recall, Kayan has expanded our support hotline to respond to increased need, offering around-the-clock service as well as opening a texting line to provide a safer and more flexible option for women.We have received very positive feedback about adding the texting line, which has helped us to reach more women who might otherwise have been silenced due to fear of being overheard. These changes have helped us to reach 40% more women than before.

We have concentrated on advertising our hotline expansion through creative outlets such as graphic designs, magnets, and a video, as well as alongside our partners’ services through the Fada Coalition’s “We are you Voice” Campaign. Grassroots women leaders of the local groups and the Jusur Forum have also been critical in sharing the hotline and raising awareness about ways to reach help, integrating this into every aspect of their COVID-19 response.Our staff are working intensively to keep up with the increased volume of hotline calls and to follow up with each consultee to ensure that she receivesongoing comprehensive and holistic support. We are also currently working on training more hotline volunteers to keep up with demand. 

Calls during the COVID-19 crisis have covered an expanded variety of needs, including economic, personal status, workplace rights, or safety at home issues. Regardless of the specific elements of the call, most consultations address some elements related to violence. We work to ensure that women thoroughly understand their legal rights and options, for example helping them to get protective and restraining orders. These concrete steps go a long way in protecting women’s safety.

Just as important as the legal advice is the emotional support and empowerment our hotline provides. We ensure that women fully understand all their options and feel empowered to make the decision that is best for them. By providing emotional support and continuously following up, we help womengain the confidence and self-assuredness to speak out. During the COVID-19 crisis, we have helped 70% of our consultees to take follow up action of some type.

Supporters, like you, help ensure we can keep our support hotline available around-the-clock to women during this time of extreme need. We hope you are staying well and safe during this crisis. Thank you for helping Palestinian women to be safe, empower themselves, and take action to claim their rights.

Links:

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