Center for Sexual Violence
Sexual Assault Services
The Center for Sexual Violence is Israel’s first program dedicated to treating minors who have either experienced or committed acts of sexual abuse. Established by ELEM in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, the Center represents a groundbreaking national effort to stop the cycle of sexual violence through early intervention, trauma-informed care, and education.
ELEM believes that society bears a shared responsibility to prevent sexual violence. Through a combination of direct treatment, public awareness, and professional training, the Center promotes both healing and prevention—helping young people rebuild their lives while reducing the risk of future harm.
The Center currently operates in Afula Beit Shean, Shfaram, and Tel Aviv, and therapeutic groups in youth correctional facilities, including Gilam, Mitzpeh Yam, and Yarcha.
This multi-site model ensures accessibility for families living in both urban and peripheral areas, where professional resources are often limited.
The Center supports two primary groups:
Children under age 12, below the age of criminal responsibility, who have committed or experienced acts of sexual violence.
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Youth aged 12 to 18 who are not facing criminal charges but require specialized therapeutic intervention.
In addition, the Center assists families, educators, and professionals who need tools to identify and address cases of abuse. Many of the children referred to the program are living with the aftermath of trauma, confusion, or guilt—often in families already under stress. Others have caused harm themselves and need guidance to break cycles of violence before they become irreversible.
ELEM’s approach recognizes that early, compassionate, and appropriate care can change the trajectory of a young person’s life and create safer communities for all.
What Happens at the Center
The Center’s model blends clinical therapy with creative and experiential methods to meet each child’s developmental stage and emotional capacity.
Services include:
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Individual, group, and family therapy addressing trauma, accountability, and healing
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Creative therapies, such as art, animal-assisted, and play therapy
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Educational programs and training sessions for professionals and community groups
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Public lectures and outreach to raise awareness and reduce stigma
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Therapeutic programs in youth correctional facilities, conducted in partnership with government agencies
Each treatment plan is personalized—ranging from short-term stabilization to long-term rehabilitation—depending on the child’s history, family context, and needs.
Reaching the Margins of Israeli Society
The Center serves Jewish and Arab children and youth, including those living in rural or under-resourced communities, and young people housed in state-run correctional centers.
Culturally sensitive care is integrated into every location, with programming adapted to reflect each community’s language, traditions, and social realities.
ELEM also supports families, particularly mothers of children who were sexually abused, helping them understand trauma responses, rebuild trust, and support their children’s recovery.
Expansion
With your support, ELEM aims to:
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Expand public lectures and prevention programs in partnership with the Rape Crisis Center
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Launch a joint project with BeTzedek for minors who have committed sexual abuse
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Continue staff training in EMDR and other evidence-based trauma-treatment methods
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Develop new services for families coping with incest and abuse
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Broaden awareness and prevention efforts to schools and communities across Israel