Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel

IGUD MERKAZEI SEEYUA L'NIFGA'OT T'KEEFA MEENEET B'YISRAEL

GOALS
To reduce the level of sexual violence; to increase the scope and state funding for victims of sexual assault; and to improve the legal and public status of the victims.

BACKGROUND
ARCCI was founded in 1990 with NIF support as an umbrella organization for rape crisis centers. To date, 10 Rape Crisis Centers are members of ARCCI, including one in the Arab sector and another in the Jewish Orthodox sector. In 2004, two hotlines for men were opened – one at the Tel Aviv RCC and one for Orthodox men in Jerusalem . Consequently, the name of the Association in Hebrew was changed to reflect the fact that the RCCs provide assistance to both male and female victims of rape, incest, sexual assault, and harassment. Over the last few years, men have started to get involved in RCCs, mainly in education and public relations activities.

STRATEGIES
Legislation and advocacy; raising awareness; publications, media and public campaigns; developing new models of service provision.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Four bills initiated by the Association were passed in the Knesset.
• Monitoring the implementation of laws regarding victims of sexual assault.
• Participating in Knesset and inter-ministerial committee sessions on relevant issues.
• Lobbying successfully against budget cuts in allocation of government funds to RCC's.
• IDF recognized ARCCI as a professional service provider (lectures, workshops, and support for victimized soldiers).
• Website, seminars, publications, and various public relations campaigns.