Orshina

Sexual Assault Services

Orshina is a therapeutic and social support center for boys ages 13–18 who have experienced sexual abuse. Founded in 2023 by ELEM, it is the first program of its kind in Israel dedicated exclusively to supporting adolescent boys who are survivors of sexual violence.

Orshina was established to address a critical gap in services. Studies show that one in five boys between the ages of 13 and 18 experiences sexual assault, yet most never seek help. Many feel deep shame, isolation, and mistrust of adults—pressures intensified by cultural norms surrounding masculinity. Traditional therapy alone often fails to reach these youth, making Orshina’s combined clinical and social model essential.

The Orshina Center is based in Jerusalem, serving as both a therapeutic hub and a launching point for evening outreach activities throughout the city.

Orshina serves teenage boys from across Israeli society—Jewish, Arab, religious, and secular—who have experienced sexual abuse and are living with the emotional and social consequences of trauma.

Most participants have never shared their experiences before and are dealing with symptoms of anxiety, fear, depression, or self-blame on their own. ELEM meets each boy with compassion, confidentiality, and respect, offering care that recognizes the specific psychological and cultural needs of male survivors.

What Happens at Orshina

The center combines therapy, peer connection, and daily life activities to create an atmosphere of safety and belonging.

Programming includes:

Individual clinical therapy tailored to each boy’s emotional and developmental needs
Group sessions that combine discussion with shared meals, games, and creative expression
“Orshina in the City” – an evening outreach initiative in central Jerusalem that meets boys on the streets and offers safe entry points for counseling and care

This blended approach allows boys to heal not only through professional treatment but also through genuine human connection—helping them rebuild trust, reduce isolation, and rediscover their sense of self.

Reaching the Margins of Israeli Society

Orshina reaches boys who often remain invisible to traditional care systems. These include youth from both Jewish and Arab communities, many of whom are navigating trauma without family or institutional support.

The program is culturally responsive and inclusive, providing a safe environment for participants from diverse ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. By addressing the intersection of gender, stigma, and trauma, Orshina ensures that no boy is left to face his pain alone.

Expansion

With your support, ELEM aims to:

Expand evening outreach through “Orshina in the City”
Strengthen group activities that build trust, resilience, and peer support
Reach more boys from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds
Train additional professionals and volunteers to meet growing demand for gender-sensitive care