London’s Victims Commissioner, Claire Waxman, has raised concerns over a troubling trend where Jewish women suffering from domestic abuse are becoming increasingly hesitant to seek help due to the recent surge in anti-Semitic incidents in the capital.
Waxman revealed that Jewish women are now “choosing to stay with their abusers” out of fear that leaving their homes could expose them to anti-Semitism. She highlighted the profound impact that the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza has had on the Jewish community in London, resulting in a rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crimes.
According to the Metropolitan Police, there were 657 reports of anti-Semitic incidents between October 1 and November 1 this year, a stark increase compared to the 49 incidents reported during the same period the previous year.
Speaking at a meeting of the London Assembly’s police and crime committee, Waxman expressed her concerns about the situation, particularly its impact on organizations like Jewish Women’s Aid. She stated, “What’s more concerning to me is that Jewish victims of domestic abuse are not engaging in safety plans. They are choosing to stay with their abusers as opposed to leaving high-risk, abusive relationships because of this overriding fear of anti-Semitism.
Waxman has taken this issue up with Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s deputy mayor for communities and social justice, with ongoing discussions focused on providing “solidarity and support” to Jewish Women’s Aid while ensuring that Jewish victims of domestic abuse feel safe enough to leave abusive relationships.
Louisa Rolfe, the Met’s assistant commissioner for frontline policing, acknowledged the concerns raised by Waxman and emphasized the Met’s commitment to providing reassurance in communities and taking an appropriate and sensitive approach to domestic abuse cases.
The Jewish Chronicle reported a sharp decline in referrals to Jewish Women’s Aid, with a 72% drop compared to the previous year, following the onset of the conflict on October 7. A spokesperson for the charity explained that the decrease was directly linked to the impact of events in Israel on the Jewish community in the UK.
“People are worried about their relatives and don’t have the headspace or inner strength to prioritize their own safety,” the spokesperson said. Additionally, the rise in anti-Semitism has left women reluctant to relocate, fearing the loss of their synagogue community and the unfamiliarity of new surroundings.
This concerning trend highlights the urgent need for support and solutions to address the intersection of domestic abuse and rising anti-Semitic incidents, ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals.
