Founded by Shalom Task Force Legal Department in 2019, Project Kehillah is a working group of lawyers who represent domestic violence survivors in the Jewish Community.
Representing survivors from this community requires expertise in unique legal issues, such securing as the “Get” (a religious divorce), navigating the rabbinical courts, litigating custody for parents with different religious beliefs, and working with a community that may be uncomfortable engaging with secular systems. Survivors often experience communal pressure to remain silent about their abuse and feel responsible for maintaining "shalom bayit" or peace in the home.
Cultural competence is critical to ensure that the survivor feels safe coming forward with their story.
The goals of this group are to:
Share experiences and challenges of representing this unique population
Identify and offer training for lawyers
Address best practices and strategies
Expand advocacy efforts
Provide resources
