15 March 2022 Bill forcing Violent Men to Receive Psychological Treatment Passes
In mid-December 2021, the Knesset approved a ground breaking law in the battle against domestic violence. The new law – initiated, written and advanced by WIZO – requires judges to send Israeli men, who have had restraining orders issued against them, to receive mandatory behavioural and psychological treatment.
WIZO partnered with the head of the Knesset Committee for the Advancement of Women and Gender Equality, MK Aida Touma-Sliman, who sponsored the Bill.
In her statement, MK Touma-Sliman echoed the message and holistic strategy that WIZO has promoted and fought for many years: ”This law sends the message that violent men can stop their violent behaviour – With this law, Israel is saying that it will not only address the symptom, which is violence, but will also address the cause – the violent man.”
Once again, WIZO is at the forefront in promoting and protecting women, not only in our programs and services, but in the Knesset and the government.
Read the coverage of this new law from the Jerusalem Post. Reprinted with written permission.
From The Jerusalem Post
By Jerusalem Post Staff
Published December 13, 2021
Bill forcing violent men to receive psychological treatment passes
The bill, proposed by Joint List MK Aida Touma-Sliman, passed its second and third readings on Monday and will come into effect in May 2023.
The Knesset approved on Monday a new law that requires judges to send Israeli men who had a restraining order issued against them to behavioral and psychological treatment.
The bill, which was proposed by Joint List MK and head of the Knesset Committee for Advancement of Women and Gender Equality Aida Touma-Sliman, passed its second and third readings on Monday.
Touma-Sliman’s bill passed as a temporary order for five years and will come into effect in May 2023.
“Today, the Knesset made significant headway in our longstanding battle against domestic violence,” Touma-Sliman said, following the passing of her bill.
“The passing of the law and its implementation sends a message that violent men can stop their violent behavior. This law means a woman that is afraid of her partner will no longer need to live in fear,” she added.
“In fact, with this law’s passing, Israel is saying that it will not only address the symptom, which is the violence. From now on authorities will also address the cause – the violent man.”
The Israeli government has announced several plans to combat violence against women in recent months.
155 million shekels in funding will go towards Israel’s plan to combat domestic violence, Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli announced in November. In addition, Michaeli also announced she and Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar agreed to advance legislation that would recognize economic abuse.