A groundbreaking initiative in Israel that helps men become emotionally present, engaged fathers — and prevents domestic violence before it starts. Through one-on-one counseling, group workshops, and guidance during parenting challenges like divorce, bereavement, and reintegration after military service, the program provides men with the tools they need to be caring partners and fathers.
Survivors Need More Than a Safe Night.
They Need a Safe Future.
That’s the vision behind NA’AMAT’s Abba Program, a groundbreaking initiative that equips men with the skills they need to build safe, stable, and supportive homes. Developed at the NA’AMAT Family Center in Tel Aviv, the program: “Abba” —father in Hebrew— empowers men through counseling, education, and community – preventing domestic violence before it starts and creating safer futures for women, children, and entire communities.
Research shows that risk factors like divorce, loss, raising multiple children, or reintegration after military service can strain families. Without support, these challenges can escalate into conflict and, too often, abuse.
The Abba Program helps fathers manage these challenges in healthy, constructive ways. By improving communication, strengthening parenting skills, and promoting shared responsibility at home, NA’AMAT helps reduce risk factors and strengthen families from within.
The Abba Program helped me find my voice as a dad. I learned how to communicate better with my children and show them the love they deserve, despite the hardships we face.
— Abba Program participant
The program offers a range of individual and group services to meet fathers where they are:
Since its launch in 2020, the Abba Program has reached hundreds of fathers through both in-person and online sessions – adapting to the evolving needs of families during times of stress, war, and recovery.
NA’AMAT’s work extends beyond the counseling room. To create lasting change, we’ve advocated for national policies that support gender equity at home and at work — including legislation granting additional paid parental leave only if the father uses the benefit.
Without this incentive, most fathers opt out, leaving mothers to carry the full caregiving load. By ensuring dads take leave, we promote workplace equality, reduce stress on families, and help prevent the conditions that contribute to domestic abuse.
Demand for the Abba Program has surged — increasing by over 150% since October 2023, as fathers coping with reserve duty, trauma, and family strain seek new ways to reconnect and heal.
NA’AMAT’s goal is to serve 700–800 fathers annually within three years through partnerships with municipalities, workplaces, and welfare departments.
Each participant strengthens not only his family but the broader social fabric, advancing women’s empowerment, child wellbeing, and community resilience.
The Abba Program is proof that prevention works.
By investing in fathers, we protect women and children, strengthen families, and stop cycles of violence before they begin.
Your gift can make a direct impact:
When people ask, “Where can I give to prevent domestic violence?” the answer is NA’AMAT USA.
Your donation helps fathers become the partners and parents their families deserve – building a safe future for every survivor, every child, and every home.
Help Support Fathers and Families