SHALVA Hosts Film Screening and Educational Luncheon 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, No Way Out But One, tells the story of an American woman who kidnapped her own children, fled the country and became the first American woman to ever be granted asylum by the Dutch government due to domestic violence. The film and luncheon shed light on how custody can be granted to the abusive parent. The keynote speakers were the film’s director and producer, Garland Waller, and Jennifer Collins, the daughter featured in the film. Their comments were followed by an informative Q&A facilitated by SHALVA Board President and attorney, Sara Block.

More than 370 guests attended the luncheon at the Standard Club in Chicago, which was the highest attendance in SHALVA’s history. In addition to both Waller and Collins, other notable speakers included Honorable Grace G. Dickler, Presiding Judge, Domestic Relations Division, State of Illinois, Circuit Court of Cook County; and Honorable Sebastian T. Patti, Presiding Judge, Domestic Violence Division, State of Illinois, Circuit Court of Cook County as well as SHALVA Founding Mother, Fayge Siegal, and SHALVA Clinical Director, Barbara Siegel, who was recognized for her 20 years of service.

“SHALVA is proud to showcase such an important film that brings awareness that tragically, the best interest of the children often gets lost in divorce cases involving domestic violence. Today, one in four women is affected by domestic violence, and we are committed to providing survivors the necessary support and resources to help them heal,” said Carol Ruderman, Executive Director of SHALVA.

The event raised over $150,000 for SHALVA’s counseling, education and supportive services for Jewish women experiencing and recovering from domestic abuse as well as community education programs.

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

About SHALVA

SHALVA’s mission is to address domestic abuse in Jewish homes and relationships through counseling and education, and is the oldest independent, Jewish domestic abuse agency in the United States. SHALVA has been instrumental in facilitating national and international dialogues on the specific needs of Jewish families experiencing domestic violence.

SHALVA is the only Jewish agency in the Chicago metropolitan area specifically certified by the State of Illinois to provide domestic violence counseling. Each year, SHALVA volunteers and staff educate thousands of individuals about domestic violence in Jewish relationships. SHALVA trains rabbis, police officers, medical professionals, teachers, mental health professionals and community groups in order to increase education and awareness about domestic abuse.

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