Domestic violence, unfortunately, can be found throughout the Jewish community and affects Jews at every socioeconomic level—young and old, married and unmarried.

It is the mission of CHANA: Counseling, Helpline & Aid Network for Abused Women to aid individuals in the Jewish community who are victims of domestic violence by providing support, counseling and assistance—empowering women to create a safe environment for themselves and their families.

In addition, CHANA educates the entire Jewish community about domestic violence and appropriate responses to it, providing powerful hands-on programs that attract a broad spectrum of women in the Jewish community.

CHANA is a program of the Women's Department of THE ASSOCIATED, in cooperation with Jewish Family Services and the House of Ruth, a comprehensive shelter in Baltimore City.

CHANA's services include: 

• Confidential telephone helpline. Call 410-234-0023 from 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Monday and Thursday, and 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, excluding holidays. We can provide support and referrals to community resources.
  
• Counseling. Individual counseling, at no cost, and weekly support groups for Jewish women to share their own experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
  
• Kosher Safehouse. A secure refuge for women and their children who are in crisis and need to be away from their abusive partner/parent.
  
• Legal Services. Pro bono and reduced-fee legal services provided by volunteer lawyers to CHANA clients who need the legal system to gain protection.
  
• Speaker's Bureau. A roster of staff and volunteers who will speak about domestic violence in the Jewish community to large or small groups. Call 410-234-0030 to arrange a meeting.
  
• Prevention Programs.  A curriculum on healthy relationships and prevention of teen dating violence for middle and high school students.

To learn about volunteering with CHANA, click here.