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Introduction <p>This study examines how Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) males in Israel who experienced childhood sexual abuse perceive its impact on their well-being.</p> Methods <p>Thirty-three Haredi men aged 18–44 who experienced sexual abuse in their childhood or adolescence participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their perspectives on the consequences of the abuse on their well-being. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns across participants’ narratives.</p> Results <p>Four primary domains emerged through which participants described the impact of the sexual abuse on their well-being: (1) Emotional-psychological (traumatic memories, depression, guilt, anxiety); (2) Functional (study difficulties, employment instability); (3) Sexual (identity confusion, dysfunction, compulsive behaviors); and (4) Collective-interpersonal (social stigma, criticism of religious leadership).</p> Conclusion <p>The research reveals unique manifestations of sexual abuse shaped by the Haredi cultural and religious context. These include trauma triggers in religious settings, heightened guilt due to religious interpretations of sexuality, and restricted access to secular education, which impedes recovery. The study highlights the complex experiences of male survivors within the Haredi community and underscores the interplay between universal and community-specific consequences.</p> <p>Policy Implications</p> <p>This research highlights the need for culturally sensitive policies to address sexual abuse in the Haredi community, emphasizing cultural competence, tailored support services, collaboration with religious leadership, and promotion of prevention and adapted reporting mechanisms.</p>

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Religious-Cultural Context, Sexual Abuse, and Well-Being: The Case of Haredi Boys in Israel

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月11日

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  • Sima Zalcberg-Block,
  • Sara Zalcberg

摘要

Introduction

This study examines how Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) males in Israel who experienced childhood sexual abuse perceive its impact on their well-being.

Methods

Thirty-three Haredi men aged 18–44 who experienced sexual abuse in their childhood or adolescence participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their perspectives on the consequences of the abuse on their well-being. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns across participants’ narratives.

Results

Four primary domains emerged through which participants described the impact of the sexual abuse on their well-being: (1) Emotional-psychological (traumatic memories, depression, guilt, anxiety); (2) Functional (study difficulties, employment instability); (3) Sexual (identity confusion, dysfunction, compulsive behaviors); and (4) Collective-interpersonal (social stigma, criticism of religious leadership).

Conclusion

The research reveals unique manifestations of sexual abuse shaped by the Haredi cultural and religious context. These include trauma triggers in religious settings, heightened guilt due to religious interpretations of sexuality, and restricted access to secular education, which impedes recovery. The study highlights the complex experiences of male survivors within the Haredi community and underscores the interplay between universal and community-specific consequences.

Policy Implications

This research highlights the need for culturally sensitive policies to address sexual abuse in the Haredi community, emphasizing cultural competence, tailored support services, collaboration with religious leadership, and promotion of prevention and adapted reporting mechanisms.