In an in-depth interview with The Media Line, Yael Sherer, head of Israel’s Survivors of Sexual Violence Advocacy Group (SSVAG), discusses the profound impact of the October 7 atrocities in Israeli towns and villages along the Gaza border and her critical role in supporting the survivors. Sherer, a victim of sexual abuse herself and a seasoned health policy and emergency care professional, faces the daunting task of helping survivors heal while ensuring such atrocities never recur.
She recounts the unprecedented scale and brutality of the attacks, including widespread sexual violence against both men and women, a phenomenon previously unseen in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The shock and taboo surrounding these crimes initially delayed public acknowledgment and response, even at the government level.
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Sherer emphasizes the need for careful handling of sensitive information to protect the privacy and dignity of the survivors and their families. The interview reveals her dedication to formulating policies and treatments for victims while underscoring her disappointment in the international community’s response to the horrors of the event.
The full interview with Yael Sherer [3] can be viewed and read on The Media Line’s website, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in the aftermath of the mass attack and the efforts toward healing and justice.