Wizo hotline that stops men lashing out helps cut domestic violence
A WIZO hotline for men who think they are at risk of hitting their partners has averted numerous incidents of domestic violence amid pressures of the pandemic, the organisation says.
The Israeli phone and text service, which is part of a range of violenceprevention projects that WIZO UK helps to support, saw a 500 per cent rise in calls at the height of lockdown. The all-male team of operators reports that it has helped people to deal with their frustrations and avoid the urge to perpetrate acts of violence.
“Many men call and tell us that they’re worried they’re going to lose control and hurt their spouse or children when they get angry, and that being home all day and night has been really difficult for them,” said Avi Mor, the family therapist who runs the hotline.
He said that the response is to give callers a listening ear, while stressing that violence is never acceptable. Tricia Schwitzer, chairwoman of WIZO’s communication division, said that the line has been operating for 10 years but never experienced such high demand as during the pandemic. “It’s really a very innovative idea for dealing with pressurecooker situations — to talk to men before they act violently, which we think is a very worthwhile prevention strategy,” she stated.
Mr Mor said that financial worries have contributed to rising frictions in homes and increased calls.
“Of course, with many Israelis on unpaid leave, people have been extremely worried about finances, a topic that even in normal times often leads to fighting between spouses,” he commented.
“The tension, fear and uncertainty of the times are leading to impatience and outbursts of anger. We recommended that men call us to talk about what’s going on with them: the financial worries, the uncertainty of what might happen in the future, how to handle life with kids at home all day long, and any tension between spouses that can easily spiral out of control.
“Once someone talks about the things that are worrying them, they begin to feel much better, and as result, they are much less likely to have violent outbursts.”
He said that calls are anonymous, and the hotline keeps numbers only if people give their permission — which many do. If they agree, operators stay in contact with them, to give support through their challenges. “Our goal is to help them manage their emotions and channel their anger ,” said Mr Mor. “It’s to help them recognise when they’re reaching boiling point, so that they can learn to catch themselves before they lash out verbally and physically.”
Many men call and tell us that they’re worried they’re going to lose control’