Data from the annual report of the Association of Centers for Victims of Sexual Assault, which will be submitted to the Knesset today, show that 50,000 applications were received last year in the various centers, including about 1,000 news – an increase of 9% from 2019 and a jump of 52% from 2015. The report, which includes The data from the aid centers and the authorities’ data for 2020 will be presented in a special discussion by the Committee for the Advancement of Women and Gender Equality, chaired by MK Aida Toma-Suleiman.
According to the data, 57% of the referrals last year dealt with harm to minors and minors under the age of 18, when for the first time more than half of them dealt with injuries that occurred at home.
According to data provided by the police to the union, last year there was an increase in the number of “video law” cases, which provides for five years in prison for distributing sexual content online, and a decrease in the number of complaints about sexual offenses against minors. It was also reported that 30% of the cases were intended for rapid genizah. Data from the State Attorney’s Office show that at least 80% of sexual offense and sexual harassment cases were closed without an indictment and the number of cases filed during the statute of limitations extension increased sevenfold. It was further reported that 97% of the appeals were dismissed.
The Legal Aid Unit said 145 victims were represented following an amendment by the Association of Aid Centers, and the Labor Court said 72% of sexual harassment claims were upheld. The Civil Service Commission said that 81% of sexual harassment cases were closed without disciplinary or criminal proceedings and only 4% ended up in the disciplinary tribunal. The Ministry of Education said that more than 6,500 cases were referred to the sexuality and sexual assault prevention unit, but the ministry does not receive inquiries about sexual abuse of ultra-Orthodox education students – who are about 20% of students in Israel.
In the IDF, the data indicates a 105% increase in requests for sexual assault compared to 2015. In response, the committee chairman said: ” The vast majority of assaults are committed by a person known to the victim – emphasizes the need for multi-systemic treatment of the phenomenon. “MK Toma-Suleiman emphasized:” The increase in calls to centers shows an important increase in awareness. “It is legitimate in all respects, but at the same time, when 80% of the cases that are opened do not lead to an indictment – the conclusion is that there are further deep problems in the police and the prosecutor’s office dealing with the phenomenon.”
Orit Soliciano, CEO of the Association of Aid Centers, added: “Our annual report reveals the gap between the welcome change that has taken place in public discourse in recent years and the state’s continuing inability to deal with the phenomenon of sexual violence. We collect and publish this data to show that this is not a point issue, but a systemic and comprehensive problem. The National Program for Combating Sexual Violence and Promoting the Rights of Victims and Victims we have put together is ready. Now it’s just a matter of decision. “
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