Research Addresses Sexual Violence and the Jewish Community

At age 18, Linor Abargil was in Milan, Italy auditioning for modeling jobs. As Miss Israel, she was also preparing to represent her country in the Miss World competition, which was less than 2 months away. Planning to visit her family back in Israel before the competition, she reached out to a trusted travel agent. That travel agent offered to drive her to Rome to catch a flight, but during the trip to the airport, he abducted, stabbed, and raped Linor. She escaped and contacted authorities.

Six weeks later, she was crowned Miss World.

Anyone, regardless of gender, age, education, or income level can become a victim of sexual violence. And, anyone can commit sexual violence. Although studies show that one in three women and one in six men have experienced physical sexual violence at some point in their lives, many people do not report it. Shame, fear, shock, and not understanding what constitutes sexual violence are some of the many reasons survivors do not speak out nor seek help.

Vithya Murugan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Social Work at the Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, is working to provide education and empowerment regarding this challenging issue. She recently received a grant from the National Council of Jewish Women for the Domestic Violence Initiative to analyze the scope of domestic violence in the Jewish community within the St. Louis area and provide culturally-relevant recommendations.

“Sexual violence,” Murugan shares, “can be committed by anyone.” This includes current or former intimate partners, family members, people in positions of power, friends, or even strangers. “Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given,” she says. “This includes completed or attempted sex acts against the survivor’s will, unwanted sexual contact (touching), or non-contact (verbal sexual harassment).”

Sexual violence can impact members of any community. Murugan states, “Culture profoundly affects how survivors conceptualize, identify, and address violence in their lives.”

Since 1895, The National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJW) has focused on social change and improving lives. Through their Silent Witness Program, legislation, and other projects, they continuously advocate for domestic violence survivors. Inspired by Jewish values, their mission is to provide “tikkun olam” and justice for all.

Murugan and Carly Sparks, a clinical social worker and therapist, recently co-moderated a community screening and discussion of the film, “Brave Miss World” at a Jewish community center in St. Louis. This documentary focuses on the experiences of Linor Abargil. It describes her attack and her quest for justice. It also follows her as she travels around the world to encourage others to stand against sexual violence. The film provides messages to empower both women and men to speak out and seek help, and features the inspiring stories of other survivors of sexual violence.

According to Murugan, “There is a misconception that sexual assaults and rapes are committed by strangers. However, most sexual assaults and rapes are committed by someone the person knows. It is important for both women and men to be able to identify and recognize types of sexual violence and feel empowered to heal in the way that is most appropriate for them.”

Murugan’s goal is also to increase awareness and accessibility to resources and services that promote such healing. The documentary, Brave Miss World, and the work being conducted by Murugan provide a much-needed step forward in preventing sexual violence.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, contact RAINN at (800) 656-HOPE. In Missouri, call the YWCA sexual assault hotline at (314) 531-RAPE. You may also contact Kinetic Counseling at (314) 607-8444. To learn more about Vithya Murugan’s study, contact her at vithya.murugan@slu.edu.