London – Chief Rabbi Calls On Jewish Communities To Report Child Sexual Abuse To Police

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    London – The Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth released a statement Tuesday stating that it is imperative that child sexual abuse be reported in the Jewish community.

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    Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis’ statement follows the conviction of a Haredi teacher last week of sexual abuse (http://bit.ly/1FC8YrD).

    Todros Grynhaus, 50, of Salford was convicted of five counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault against the girls when they were aged around 14 and 15.

    “This kind of abuse is a stain on all of society and we are no less vulnerable to the scourge of sexual crimes than any other community. Perpetrators of these crimes destroy lives and every one of us shares in the responsibility to protect victims and potential victims,” Mirvis wrote in his statement.

    “As such, we must not only ensure that all incidents are reported to the police without delay, but that we must do everything in our power to promote a culture whereby reporting such crimes to the relevant statutory authorities is supported and encouraged,” he continued.

    Mirvis stated he plans on writing to rabbis around England to notify them of a mandatory seminar hosted by the United Synagogue to help rabbis learn how to identify incidents of child abuse and help the victims.

    “It is imperative that communities across the country have robust child protection policies in place and should act in consultation with the statutory services. Every community should review its policies and procedures regularly and consider what else can be done – we can always do more.”


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    27 Comments
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    Mazal1
    Mazal1
    8 years ago

    If the police received too many calls it will look bad for us yoidim. What about calling the rov first and asking shiloo? Why start s new tradition?

    misslydia128
    misslydia128
    8 years ago

    Report it to the police…..duhhh

    8 years ago

    You are crazy? again? We have been telling “rabonim” the last 50 years and they are saying “tzarich Yoon ” (“we need to investigate”) and they never investigate!! Because its a BENESHEK or ETC. not only that. The ones coming forward are being nirdaf. it’s time for a huge change , i dont know about UK, I want this HERE IN THE US. I see thesee teens around here so vulnarable, and naive girls and boys, no one here to protect them . Thank G-d no one in my family but I know there are tons. Someone told me of abuses someone tried on an interstate trip on a Heimish bus in the darkness.

    Benyeli
    Benyeli
    8 years ago

    Who is Mazal1? Oh yes, I know, s/he belongs to the “yoidim” sect a.k.a. stupids

    wsbrgh
    wsbrgh
    8 years ago

    Bs’d. The REAL mosers are those who don’t go straight to the police. They MOSER future victims to a life of torment. There are on shailos. PERIOD.

    8 years ago

    Reporting allegations of child abuse to so called “rabbunim” who are either themselves molesters or protectors of molesters is absurd. As Rav Gavornlik and others have noted, there is no inyan of being a moser when it comes to child abuse. Call the police first and then contact your local rav, assuming that rav is not himself the subject of the allegations.

    bobgrant
    bobgrant
    8 years ago

    just to get you a clear understanding how to elaborate the whole situation “child abuse”when you have one in your family there is a molester how would you want us to treat him. Would you want us to give him over right away to police. Or do you have any different ideas. That’s the right way how to look at the whole thing hurry up because remember its not only the molester which goes into jail it’s a whole family that are suffering embarrassing and shameful for the rest of their lives. So we need to really have a clear understanding how to go about it

    Sol-Sol
    Sol-Sol
    8 years ago

    sexual abuse should be treated like any other crime if not worse

    Normal
    Normal
    8 years ago

    #1 it’s better they kill themselves than to make us look bad? Google Manny Waks.

    8 years ago

    You can do something about being overweight. You can do something about being ugly. You can’t cure stupid. #1 is a perfect example.

    sylmoss
    sylmoss
    8 years ago

    yes, abuse is unforgivable – but equally unforgivable is false allegations which has become quite popular and is totally cheapening the whole plight of the real victims.
    I for one no longer believe any of the allegations because I know too too many people that have been accused by some nut cases for various reasons.
    This is a really big problem.
    AND just remember dealing with the (true) abusers is of utmost importance but
    there is absolutely no need to destroy their families.
    Lock away the abuser – that is all that needs to be done.
    But again, FALSE allegations (which has become way too popular) is JUST AS CRIMINAL – IF NOT MORE SO.
    this is a shande that nobody wants to even respond to – and when one is accused falsely all they want to do it is lay down and die – as do their relatives.
    If you are all about to shout and scream and tell me I am nuts…………be careful,
    when it happens to someone you know you will be singing a whole new song.

    There have been suicides caused by molesters and also suicides caused by false allegations.

    Sol-Sol
    Sol-Sol
    8 years ago

    Reb Nochem Rosenberg single-handedly brought awareness and education in regards to sexual abuse in our circles. Bh’ our children are definitely safer today and our communities, camps, Shuls, yeshivas, mikvas, are far safer places than they were only a few short years ago. V’hamavin Yuvin! Thank you Rabbi Rossnberg

    Normal
    Normal
    8 years ago

    #8 another stupid comment. If you are capable of reading, educate yourself before commenting again. If someone burnt down your home when you were in it, would you call the police our worry about the arsonists family? If you were raped by a serial rapist would you call the police our worry about the rapists family? If someone stole all your money and house would you call the police our worry about his family? Learn about the long term effects of csa and what percentage of victims kill themselves.