Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has announced the decision to establish safe shelters in 5 regions for victims of domestic violence.
The gender ministry revealed the safe shelters are being set up in shelter facilities established in Villimale’, Kulhudhuffushi City, Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Veymandoo in Thaa Atoll and Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Noting the current shelters do not have the required personnel and resources to serve abuse victims, the ministry said the preparations to develop the facilities into fully operational safe shelters are now underway. The ministry said the funds for development of safe shelters have been arranged under the Care Project of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The safe shelters are being established under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, with the purpose of providing a safe space for abuse victims to recover and return to a normal life.