SHALVA Hosts Annual Luncheon and Film Screening Addressing Domestic Violence

SHALVA, the oldest independent Jewish domestic violence agency, hosted a private film screening and lunch program, raising funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence. The documentary, The Mask You Live In, highlights how boys and young men struggle to stay true to themselves while living within a narrow definition of masculinity. The film examines the social expectations surrounding masculinity, and provides thought-provoking questions about the issues and pressures that society often puts on males.

More than 410 attendees, the highest attendance in SHALVA’s history, listened to keynote speaker, renowned gender equality expert Dr. Michael Kaufman, speak about how to promote positive ideals of manhood. His remarks were followed by an informative Q&A, facilitated by the Luncheon Co-Chair and Board Community Education Chair Naomi Senser, MD, and Barbara Siegel, SHALVA Clinical Director. Dr. Kaufman was also available to respond to questions. Luncheon Co-Chair and Board Member Emmett Hirsch, MD, of the NorthShore University Health System, opened the program.

“SHALVA is honored to showcase a film that provides a deeper view into how society perceives masculinity, and how that can be linked to domestic violence in the world today,” said Carol Ruderman, Executive Director of SHALVA. With one in four women affected by domestic violence in this country, providing a forum on what can lead up to these behaviors is important to explore. SHALVA is committed to providing survivors of domestic violence the highest quality client centered services, support and resources to help them heal—all at no cost.”

The event raised almost $170,000 for SHALVA’s community education programs, and counseling and supportive services for Jewish women experiencing and healing from domestic abuse.

For more information, please go to www.shalvaonline.org.

About SHALVA

SHALVA’s mission is to support Jewish women experiencing and healing from domestic abuse through counseling, supportive services and community education, and is the oldest independent, Jewish domestic abuse agency in the United States. SHALVA’s vision is a strong and peaceful community where every woman is safe in her home or relationship.

SHALVA is the only Jewish agency in the Chicago metropolitan area specifically certified by the State of Illinois to provide domestic violence counseling. All of SHALVA’s services are free of charge. Each year, SHALVA volunteers and staff educate thousands of individuals about domestic violence in Jewish relationships. SHALVA trains Jewish clergy, lawyers, educators, mental health professionals, medical professionals and community groups in order to increase awareness, knowledge and build skills surrounding domestic abuse.

SHALVA is an active member of the; Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network; Chicago Says No More ; Partnership for a Safer Lake County ; JCARES; North Shore Alliance; North Suburban Service Council,. Chicago Bar Association Domestic Relations Committee and Family Violence & Community Collaboration.