Orshina in the City
Sexual Assault Services
Orshina in the City 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 in the City 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 in the City's combined clinical and social model essential.
Orshina in the City serves as an evening outreach initiative in central Jerusalem that meets boys on the streets and offers safe entry points for counseling and care.
Orshina in the City 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 in the City
Orshina in the City sets up a sign at night and invites individuals to come forward and speak about their experiences, creating an atmosphere of safety and belonging tailored to each boy's emotional and developmental needs.
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 in the City 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 in the City ensures that no boy is left to face his pain alone.
Expansion
With your support, ELEM aims to:
Strengthen group activities that build trust, resilience, and peer support
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Reach more boys from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds
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Train additional professionals and volunteers to meet growing demand for gender-sensitive care