PM Netanyahu: Zero tolerance for violence against women

"Today, we will refer to International Day for the elimination of Violence Against Women, which occurs this Wednesday. I intend to visit a shelter for battered women. This is a very serious problem in Israel and around the world.

Globally, it is estimated that one-third of women have suffered violence at least once in their lives. One study indicates that there are 150,000 battered women in Israel, a terrible number. However in 2008, a certain decline has been reported. This is thanks to the various organizations that are active, the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women, which I was fortunate enough to establish as Prime Minister, as well as the women's organizations, shelters and other active elements. But it is clear to us that much more needs to be done.

Deputy Minister Gamliel will brief us on these issues. I would like to say something that I believe is very important: The most important thing is to hold to a policy of zero-tolerance for violence in general and for violence against women in particular. I think that while this will resonate in Israeli society, we still have a long way to go in instilling this awareness and in enacting specific plans; thus our meeting today and discussions later this week".