WIZO Conference in Tel Aviv: Survivors Detail Post-Abuse Rebuilding Process

Surviving an abusive relationship does not end the struggle, three women told a crowd in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. They argued that the period after physical escape is often the most difficult, requiring time to manage daily life and secure a sense of belonging.

The speakers participated in a conference organized by WIZO, a non-governmental organization. The event took place ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25. It focused on prevention, protection, and the rehabilitation of women and their children.

The women spoke about their experiences with Tzomchot Yachad, a program that translates to "Growing Together." This initiative supports women leaving shelters or abusive homes. One participant, a mother of three, said people often assume victims "snap out of it" immediately. She rejected that notion, stating she needed a community that understood the long process of recovery.

Another woman, a mother of two, identified loneliness as the hardest part of leaving a shelter. She noted that abuse erodes positive feelings, making it hard to explain the experience to outsiders. The program offers weekly meetings, volunteer support, and help with employment and legal rights. It currently operates in 12 communities across Israel, serving about 200 women and 300 children.

A third speaker, a single mother who immigrated to Israel alone, shared her story of raising a son with special needs. Her son was non-verbal when she joined the group. She described how he began talking and interacting with friends a few months later. She said the support helped her overcome guilt about raising him without a strong family network.

Dr. Shlomit Kaminka, CEO of the Israeli Society for Human Resource Management, addressed the role of workplaces. She said managers and HR staff often see employees more than family members do. The society and WIZO developed a training program to help HR professionals recognize signs of distress. Kaminka advocated for a bottom-up approach to set facts on the ground.

Yasmin Rubin-Cooper, director of Sheatufim’s Drawing the Lines initiative, stressed that men must be part of the solution. She noted that men make up 50% of the population. The conference also examined how war complicates recovery. One speaker mentioned her son’s continued desire for friendship during the conflict, while Kaminka spoke of women facing both personal and national trauma.

WIZO CEO Marsel Asulin called for a government response with clear policies and budgets. She argued that the fight against violence cannot rely solely on civil society. A survey commissioned by WIZO found that 81% of respondents rejected the idea that domestic violence is a private matter. Half of those surveyed believed the issue had increased since October 7.