The government is to supplement the finances of Help and Shelter by providing a one year subvention for its operations, while the home for abused women seeks to become self sufficient
Social Security Minister Bibi Shadick is quoted in a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release as saying the government was committed to the protection and safety of women and stood firmly against all forms of violence. Shadick noted that it was for that reason the ruling party piloted the Domestic Violence Bill passed in 1997.
Shadick further stated that over the years they have provided office space for the organisation, a gift of a plot of land and a small subvention. She urged all those who can help to come forward and do so, saying that a viable shelter for all victims of domestic violence was indispensable in a modern society.
Help and Shelter had announced the closure of its shelter which has served as a refuge for 98 abused women and children since its inception in September 2001, at the end of last month and cited the lack of funds for recurrent expenditure.
Since then DIDCO and the Diplomatic Spouses' Association (DSA) have contributed a combined total of $541,000 to the shelter which needs an annual subvention of 4.2 million.