Addu City, Maldives – Land has been allocated in Addu City for construction of a safe home for women, children and families that fall victim to domestic abuse, and to establish a senior citizen’s centre.
The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services stated that the Ministry’s State Minister Aishath Raseedh, Faznaa Shikar and a team from the Ministry visited the site for the building.
Safe homes are designed to provide a temporary safe haven for victims of domestic and other abuse, and negligence under Family and Children Service Centres.
These safe homes aim to ascertain rights and provide protection, for which women and children housed in such facilities are entitled to under the constitution. They will also provide psychosocial support if necessary, and cooperate with appropriate authorities to facilitate their return to normal life.
Safe homes managed by the Ministry of Gender have been established in four atolls so far; H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi, G. Dh. Thinadhoo, Sh. Funadhoo, and S. Hithadhoo.