You, reading this, may not be sure how relevant this is to you, but it’s no coincidence. Abuse in intimate relationships can be very deceptive and can take on many forms. You may even be in a life-threatening situation, without realizing it. Your gut might tell you there’s something wrong, but you’re not sure if to act, and how.

We were 5 strong and independent women who found themselves caught up in abusive relationships.
And we’ve paid the heaviest price. Now, we urge you to-
Listen to our voice

I was Michal Sela, 32
I was Esther Barhani, 50
I was Merin Haj Yechieh, 29
I was Esther Aharonovitchz, 70
I was Sagit Ozeri, 23

Did you leave an abusive relationship? Do you want to help empower other women? Share your story at 
#listen_to_my_voice

Things you should know about abusive relationships
  • Abuse can take on many forms: emotional, sexual, financial and physical. You shouldn’t have to tolerate any of these
  • Many times non-physical abuse is even more dangerous and can lead to murder
  • Abusive men come from all sectors, ethnic groups, education and economic backgrounds
  • Regardless of the types of abuse you face – it's never your fault
  • The fact that you are caught up in an abusive relationship does not say anything about you, or the woman you are, and does not diminish your value!
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Are you in an abusive relationship?
Let’s do a quick check:
  • Does he downplay your value, ridicule or demean you?
  • Does he keep you away from your close environment? Family, friends, work?
  • Does he intervene in your social media activity?
  • Is he jealous or obsessed with you? Does he monitor your choice of clothes, financial expenses, or rummage through your mobile phone?
  • Do you feel vigilant when you are with him? Are you afraid to upset him?
  • Does he threaten you or have outbursts of rage directed at you?
  • When you mentioned your wish to separate, did he have an extreme reaction and threaten to harm you / himself?

If you identify with one or more of these feelings, enter the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services anonymous risk assessment questionnaire.
Link to the questionnaire

Think you’re in an abusive relationship?
Here’s what to do:
Even if he never hit you, the moment when you inform an abusive partner that you intend to leave him may be life-threatening!
You must manage the breakup in a way that will ensure your safety.
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In any case and in any situation – do not leave without getting professional support.
Discreetly share your intention with a domestic violence expert and with someone close to you.

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Inform your abusive partner of your wish to separate only after you have moved away to a safe place.

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Make sure your abusive partner is with a person close to him when you inform him of the separation.

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Refuse any meeting with your partner that is not the presence of other people, even after the separation.

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Make sure a professional entity contacts the abusive partner, to accompany him through the separation process.

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If there is a firearm in the house report this to the authorities as soon as you leave, in order to restrict his carrying the firearm.

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In any case and in any situation – do not leave without getting professional support.
Discreetly share your intention with a domestic violence expert and with someone close to you.

Asset 1

Inform your abusive partner of your wish to separate only after you have moved away to a safe place.

Asset 1

Make sure your abusive partner is with a person close to him when you inform him of the separation.

Asset 1

Refuse any meeting with your partner that is not the presence of other people, even after the separation.

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Make sure a professional entity contacts the abusive partner, to accompany him through the separation process.

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If there is a firearm in the house report this to the authorities as soon as you leave, in order to restrict his carrying the firearm.

In their memory and honor
Michal Sela
RIP
Esther Barhani
RIP
Merin Haj Yechieh
RIP
Esther Ahronowitz
RIP
Sagit Ozeri
RIP

Lovingly donated their voices:

Michal Sela – Mali Levy | Esther Barhani – Ruth Asrasai | Merin Haj Yechieh – Luna Mansur
Esther Ahronowitz – Evelin Hagoel | Sagit Ozeri – Hila Saada 

Michal Sela – Mali Levy
Esther Barhani – Ruth Asrasai
Merin Haj Yechieh – Luna Mansur
Esther Ahronowitz – Evelin Hagoel
Sagit Ozeri – Hila Saada 

This campaign was initiated by Shiran Malmadovsky-Somekh, the social tech entrepreneur, in collaboration with Advertising Agency, and is based on D-ID's artificial intelligence technology in collaboration with the Local Government Center.

This campaign was initiated by Shiran Malmadovsky-Somekh, the social tech entrepreneur, in collaboration with Advertising Agency, and is based on D-ID's artificial intelligence technology in collaboration with the Local Government Center.

Listen to my voice

This information is based on a range of sources and is made available in coordination with Ronit Lev Ari,  a criminologist and victimologist, Director of the Knowledge Center at the Beit Ruth Association who established the Na’amat Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (Glickman),  and does not constitute an alternative to consulting with experts in the field.

The wording on the website regarding victims of violence uses the feminine form, however refers to the entire population.

Did you leave a dangerous relationship? Do you want to empower other women? Share your story on social media at hashtag #listen_to_my_voice