LO: Combat Violence Against Women

Organizational Overview
LO (no in Hebrew) was founded in 1977, primarily to provide crisis intervention and therapeutic services for battered women and their children from all over Israel, Today LO runs three shelters in the central area of Israel. The shelter residents are Jewish, both native Israelis and new immigrants from around the world (many from CIS and Ethiopia), Arab Israeli, and even temporary residents who have nowhere else to turn without regard to religion, race or country of origin. Over 200 women and 300 children find shelter in LO shelters annually, and approximately 200 women who sought shelter with us are turned away due to lack of vacancy. Accurate information regarding LO activities can be found on our website: www.no2violence.co.il Current activity is also shared on our Hebrew and English Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/no2violence https://www.facebook.com/no2violence.en For women ready to leave the shelter and start anew, LO provides a half-way house program with a rentsubsidized apartment where eligible women learn to become independent and self-sufficient, while receiving assistance and support from our professional staff. LO has also established and operates national emergency hotlines in Hebrew and Russian, handling hundreds of calls. Hotline volunteers are trained at our premises to provide information and advice to women, parents in distress and youngsters at risk. Problems encountered include domestic violence as well as rape, incest, unwanted pregnancies, health concerns, etc. LO provides legal counseling for women who do not qualify financially for government legal assistance. Low cost legal services provided by a network of attorneys and advisors guide the women through Israels complicated system of religious and civil courts. LO is recognized for its expertise on domestic violence in Israel. LOs Executive Director is frequently consulted by jurists, legislators, government ministers and officials, social service providers and others. LO is also internationally recognized as a leader in programs to combat domestic violence. Through participation in international conferences, LO has also become a resource for overseas delegations, particularly from Third World countries, who seek to learn about our innovative, effective program and replicate them in their own countries. LO is in close contact with Knesset members, government ministers and other officials to increase awareness of the problem of domestic violence and to formulate and implement new legislation to improve the status of women in Israel and particularly, to assist battered women and their children. Lectures and training programs are offered to professionals (e.g., police, ER workers, doctors, nurses, and social workers, lawyers, students, municipality staff, etc). The courses teach about the recognizable symptoms of domestic violence and their solutions, including referral to shelters.

LO is a registered non-profit organization recognized by the State of Israel, and operates its shelters in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Welfare and Labor, with regard to the appropriate numbers of residents, staffing, health regulations, etc. In the US, LO is an approved organization eligible to receive funds from, and through, the P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds, which is a registered 501 (3) charity.

Current Services and Activities:

Individual therapy and group counseling with social workers and psychologists for both women and children are provided at LO shelters. Enrichment programs such as computers and drama therapy for young children are also provided.
LO- COMBAT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN P.O.B 5941, Herzliya Tel: 972-9-9551524, Fax: 972-9-9551022 www.no2violence.co.il