Any woman suffering from domestic abuse must contend with enormous difficulties in escaping an abusive relationship. These difficulties are even more daunting for Orthodox women. Until Bat Melech was established, battered women from the Orthodox/ultra Orthodox sectors had nowhere to turn to for help.
For a number of reasons, Orthodox women in abusive relationships do not take advantage of the social services that are available to abused women. First, they fear the stigma associated with the welfare services in the Orthodox community. Second, they distrust non-religious authorities; the Orthodox community generally does not look kindly on members who seek outside help for domestic problems.
Many Orthodox women fear that openly admitting that their husbands beat them will negatively impact the religious community’s perception of their families.
Today, Bat Melech runs a network of shelters and safe havens that provide social, financial, emotional and legal assistance to woman and their children who are victims of domestic violence.