Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has commenced the development of a safe shelter for victims of domestic abuse in Addu City.
The gender ministry said the plots for the safe shelter and the care centre for elderly citizens in Addu have been arranged by Addu City Council. The ministry said an official team from the ministry, including State Ministers Aishath Rasheed and Fazna Shakir, are currently in Addu to inspect the plots.
The safe shelters are built with the purpose of providing protection for women and children who become victims of domestic violence and abuse, and help them return to a normal life. The safe shelters must be equipped with all the facilities and resources required to support victims of abuse. As such, psychosocial support is also part of the mandate of the safe shelters.
The gender ministry had earlier revealed the safe shelters are being set up in another five regions across the Maldives, including Villimale’, Kulhudhuffushi City, Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Veymandoo in Thaa Atoll and Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The ministry said the funds for development of safe shelters have been arranged under the Care Project of Asian Development Bank (ADB).