The quadruple taboo: Sexual abuse of women by women in the Jewish Orthodox community

Abstract

This dissertation examines the phenomenon of sexual abuse perpetrated by women against women within the Jewish Orthodox community. Focusing on a marginalized and under-researched aspect of sexual violence, this study delves into the intersection of four distinct taboos that contribute to the complexity and secrecy surrounding these experiences. Firstly, it addresses the taboo of acknowledging sexual abuse within a community that values privacy and discourages open discussion of sexuality. Secondly, it grapples with the dual identity of survivors who navigate their trauma within the confines of a faith-based community that values conformity and collective identity. Thirdly, it confronts the stigma attached to same-sex relationships within a religious framework where such relations are deemed taboo. Finally, it explores the dynamics of female perpetration in a context where women are traditionally viewed as nurturers and not as potential abusers.

Employing qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews of therapists who treated women who were sexually abused by other women within the orthodox community, and narrative analysis, this research seeks to illuminate the voices and experiences of survivors who have often been silenced or overlooked through the eyes of their therapist. By elucidating the intersectionality of these taboos, this dissertation aims to contribute to both academic discourse and practical interventions aimed at supporting survivors, challenging societal norms, and fostering greater understanding within religious communities and in social work.