History
In
1995, Bat Melech
- was
founded as a non-profit organization by a group of Orthodox social
activists working to provide legal assistance for women in
distress. They established Bat Melech - in response to
the
urgent need of Orthodox women suffering from domestic violence for a
refuge, protection from their violent spouses, and emotional
and
legal support.
In
1996, the first shelter was
established in Jerusalem.
In
2000, under the auspices of
Keren Ohel Meir, The Nigunim Hostel (link) was opened in order to
provide physical shelter, protection, and spiritual and emotional
support for Orthodox at-risk adolescents.
In
2004, Bat Melech
- founded the Israel Center for Family Justice (link), to
provide
representation in secular and religious courts, as well as free legal
services for women of all backgrounds in need of guidance through the
maze of Israeli family law.
In
2005, in an effort to
expand
its reach, Bat Melech - opened a second women’s
shelter in
Israel.
In
2008, together with the
Jewish
Agency’s Partnership 2000, the Center for Family Justice
opened a
second branch in Beit Shemesh.
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