Gender Ministry says it is working to establish temporary shelters for victims of domestic abuse.
In a statement, the Ministry said that the Domestic Violence Act stipulates that the relevant authorities must establish shelters with adequate staff and facilities in order to prevent domestic violence and to provide temporary support services for victims of violence. It also said that the authorities should determine the services provided from such shelters and provide such services in a sustainable manner.
The Ministry said so far it had established 5 temporary shelters and that they are located at Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhufushi, Shaviyani Funadhoo, Thaa Veymandoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo, and Villimale’.
The Ministry said the temporary shelters on these locations are currently not adequately staffed or equipped to provide sustainable services to domestic abuse victims.
It also said the Ministry has received funding to upgrade these shelters under Asian Development Bank ADB’s Care Project.
Gender Ministry said that in August 28 cases involving gender-based violence and domestic abuse were reported to the Ministry.
It said that the most frequently reported cases involve 10 cases of emotional abuse and 10 cases of physical abuse.
The Ministry added that Other cases reported in this category involve 3 cases of rape, 2 cases of sexual abuse, 1 case of withholding/damage to property, 1 case of economic and financial abuse, and 1 case of negligence.
That's fantastic! Slowly but surely Maldives wakes up, stands up and starts to protect those who need protection, fair treatment and justice. I'm optimistic.