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One Billion Rising 2014

By on February 12, 2014

1 billion rising

Graphic by Margarita Korol

Written by Tamar Fox. Tamar is the author of Permanent, a story published on Jewrotica that deals with issues of consent and sexual abuse, and Just One Kid.

Rated PGAt Jewrotica, we take the issues of rape and consent quite seriously. We believe that consent is sexy, and that sex without consent is rape. As advocates for consensual sexuality in the Jewish community, we are proud to partner with One Billion Rising to bring attention to the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. On February 14, 2014, Jewrotica will join activists, writers, thinkers, celebrities, and women and men across the world as we express outrage, demand change, strike, dance, and RISE in defiance of the injustices women suffer, demanding an end at last to violence against women.

Jewrotica, of course, stands on the solid ground of the Jewish tradition’s deep well of thinking and writing about the many benefits of a consensual sex life. Jewish law recognized the unacceptability of marital rape more than 2,000 years ago. The vast collection of responsa literature repeatedly addresses domestic violence, and while there are a variety of historical responses to the beating of women, gratuitous abuse and striking a wife without a reason is forbidden by all. Today, rabbis and scholars are generally united in the position that rape and domestic violence—whether in a marriage, or outside it—are never permissible.

Despite this blanket condemnation, domestic violence does exist in the Jewish community. There is significant data to suggest that domestic abuse is a significant and under-recognized behavior in Jewish communities around the world. If you or someone you know is a victim of rape or domestic violence contact the authorities today. To speak with a mental health counselor, please email mara@jewrotica.org for more information. You may also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE

1 – http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Relationships/Spouses_and_Partners/Domestic_Violence.shtml

2- http://www.faithtrustinstitute.org/resources/learn-the-basics/dv-jewish-women-faqs#Must%20I%20forgive

Author of Jewrotica's Double Mitzvah column, Tamar Fox is a writer and editor in Philadelphia. She will try anything once, including open relationships, dating someone who is chalav yisrael, and going to Suriname.
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