FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 17
J
N

visibility and break down 
barriers around talking 
about this sensitive subject. 
“We want anybody in the 
Metro Detroit community to 
be able to show up to these 
events and get education and 
resources for helping their 
friends and loved ones,” she 
explains. 
JCADA, a coalition of 
Jewish and non-Jewish 
organizations, and advocates 
work together to address 
domestic abuse in the Metro 
Detroit area. The goal 
with JCADA is to not only 
create awareness, but also to 
implement education and 
advocacy and to make sure 
it has access to resources and 
support for survivors. 
“There’s been a lot of 
partnership and, ultimately, 
it’s about just working with 
anyone. They need help, they 
call us,” says Dini Peterson, 
chief program officer, 
mental health and safety net 
services for JFS. 
In October, the 
organization 
does a 
campaign to 
raise awareness 
and increase 
conversation 
around the topic; this past 
October, JFS did a campaign 
on social media as well.
There are many different 
types of abuse that need 
addressing, she says —
physical, sexual, financial, 
emotional and religious 
abuse, which can include the 
withholding of a “get,” the 
religious divorce a woman 
needs to be allowed to 
remarry. 
“When it comes to using 
religion as a way to abuse 
their partners, that’s what 
it comes down to, when 
it’s withheld — a get — it’s 

about them being in a 
position of power or control 
with their spouse,” she says.
Individuals find JCADA 
through signs in bathrooms, 
or in public areas where 
someone might be alone, 
such as a doctor’s office, 
she adds. Those who reach 
out might be referred for 
counseling services, mental 
health support, family 
support services, or case 
management and financial 
services. 
“We can help people 
safely plan potentially for 
leaving a situation,” she 
says. “Research shows 
it’s most dangerous for 
a survivor when they’re 
actively leaving an abusive 
relationship, that’s when the 
risk for harm is highest, so 
it’s really important that if 
they’re leaving an abusive 
relationship, they do so 
safely.”
And JFS, through its 
program is able to offer 
a variety of supports for 
those who need it, Peterson 
says. For example, for 
Tammy*, who grew up in 
West Bloomfield, JFS was 
able to help when she left 
her ex-husband and was 
searching for a loan. 
“I had found out [JFS] has 
many resources that enabled 
me to get clothes and beds 
for my kids and also school 
supplies and food, if needed,” 
she says. “The new program 
[at JFS] … has helped me 
even more. I think it’s very 
important for survivors 
of domestic violence. It’s 
another resource for them. 
The program helps you feel 
empowered again, gives you 
a person you can reach out 
to when you need to talk.” 
 

Dini 
Peterson

Where to go for 
help online when 
you don’t know 
where to go.

During challenging times, the Detroit Jewish 

community is here to help. Managed by 

Jewish Family Service (JFS), Jhelp is staffed by 

knowledgeable professionals ready to guide 

you to the Jewish Detroit resources you need. 

It’s FREE. It’s confidential. It’s here for you. 

Teen & Adult Mental Health Support • Housing 

Older Adult Services • And So Much More 

Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund 
 and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

Use the QR code or visit jhelp.org.
You can also call us at 1-248-592-2650.

