Outline- Abuse - Final Version

Outrage as a natural reaction to evil Introduction - Narrow or whole halacha/ Din or yashrus Narrow or wholistic understanding Strict halacha supplants natural human values Human values - modified by halacha – yashrus Introduction – Obligation to save others from harm Save life and prevent harm to others Introduction - to being sensitive to others feelings Love your fellow Jew as yourself Love of others is foundation of Torah Introduction – Abuse and its consequences Most abusers are known to the victim Sexual abuse of a child or adult Spiritual abuse Physical abuse Suicide Teacher or rabbi as abuser Parents as abuser Wife as abuser Husband as abuser Child as abuser Psychological abuse - Lo sonu – not distressing others Psychological problems from abuse endanger life Divorcing abusive husband Introduction – Investigating suspicions and accusations Benefit of doubt given to alleged perpetrators? Unverified rumors – take defensive action to protect if true Reason to judge favorably - chazakah Testimony of child – issues Testimony of woman – issues

Testimony of non-Jew – issues Abuse – or innocent affection? Lashon HaRah – telling others or hearing about abuse Testimony of adult regarding childhood False accusations slander (Shem Rah) – punishing Suspicions have some basis in reality Self-justice (dina d’nafshei) - Beis din not consulted Confidentiality – violating Introduction – required to go to rabbi or Jewish court Jewish court required – if they have authority & power Rabbinical authority – today Chastisement required Warning perpetrator not absolutely required Introduction – abuser as rodef Wants to hurt, kill or sin Introduction – repentance means won’t happen again? Repentance & atonement of transgressor Introduction – forgive or take revenge on perpetrator? Forgive the perpetrator Obligations to abusive teacher or rabbi Obligations to an abusive parent Revenge & bearing grudge Introduction – punishment or deterrence? Punishment – types and conditions Introduction - reasons given for not calling police Rabbis must be consulted? Punishment will be greater than Torah Moser – informer or uses non-Jewish courts Lashon HaRah – telling others or hearing about abuse

Kiddush HaShem – Martydom in presence of 10 Jews Kiddush HaShem – elevating G-d’s status in eyes of world Chillul HaShem - lowering perceived status of G-d or Jews Chillul Hashem – in abuse, reporting or concealing? G-d punishes all offenders Concealing crimes of Torah scholars? Prevent harm to perpetrator and family Concern for damage to others who marry into family Perpetrator was only child or teenager Introduction – reporting Calling police or secular authorities – when? Introduction – view of psychology Psychological Issues Introduction – wish list Improvements needed in the system Rabbinic Source Material Resources