No one should be chained to a marriage.

Unchain My Heart is a Melbourne-based volunteer organisation working to end Gett abuse and restore dignity, autonomy and freedom within Jewish law.

Gett

What is an Agunah?

Agunah (עגונה): A woman who remains halachically married due to the absence or refusal of a Gett from her husband (literally “chained woman”). Without a Gett, she cannot remarry according to Halacha.

Our Mission: Restoring Freedom Within Jewish Law

To restore dignity, autonomy and closure to anyone trapped in a dead marriage — and to ensure Jewish law is never weaponised as a tool of coercion or abuse. Gett refusal involves coercion, manipulation and emotional and psychological abuse. It is considered a form of family violence under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic). The repercussions for Agunot are devastating. Agunot cannot remarry according to Jewish law and any children born to a subsequent relationship are considered illegitimate, carrying negative consequences for future generations.

We work within the halachic system — not against it — to make it more empathetic, accessible and trauma-informed.

Our Pillars:

  • We support individuals navigating the Gett process — women and men alike.

    We provide:

    • Guidance and referrals to legal and counselling services

    • Liaison support with the Melbourne and Sydney Batei Din

    • Practical assistance in complex or cross-border cases

  • We work closely with the Melbourne and Sydney Batei Din, Jewish Care, legal professionals and rabbinic leaders.

    We are a member of Cheirut — an international Agunah network

    We provide trained female volunteers to accompany women attending their Gett.

  • Prevention begins with awareness.

    We educate:

    • Schools

    • Rabbis

    • Kallah teachers

    • Legal professionals

    • Communities

    Topics include:

    • The Gett process

    • Coercive control and family violence

  • We advocate for zero tolerance of Gett abuse.

    We promote halachic prenuptial agreements.

    We are normalising conversations that were once whispered.

    Silence enables abuse. Education prevents it.

    A Gett is not negotiable. It was never meant to be.

Help Unchain My Heart

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Help Unchain My Heart *

• Encourage anyone experiencing Gett refusal to contact UMH

• Apply for an Unchain My Heart Ambassadorship (through our FB page) and assist us in raising awareness of the abusive nature of Gett refusal.

• Donate to UMH

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