Council-run women’s shelter a place of safety

A COUNCIL-run shelter — the only one in the country — has been a place of safety for more than two dozen battered women and their children over the last 16 months, it was revealed this week.

In a written statement the day before International Women’s Day, Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality (LTB) explained the refuge’s activities since it opened on November 25, 2016.

The launch followed the closure of a shelter operated for eight years by the Foundation for the Prevention of Social Risks, which resulted in six women and their children being left homeless.

By the end of February, 26 women had sought refuge at the shelter with their 23 children — 16 of the women taking up legal services on offer to secure protection orders, seven to get divorced and six to seek compensation. Sixteen women were given counselling and same number secured employment with the support of shelter staff.

All of the women and children were provided with full health care services and took part in a range of “empowerment” sessions, including English language and computer lessons, and social and physical activities. All were targeted at enabling them to face the future with confidence.

LTB said the shelter had been established as a place of safety for women who had experienced or been at risk of domestic violence, and could accommodate up to seven women and 14 children at a time.

Run by staff who man the municipality’s 183 domestic violence hotline and secured round-theclock by six guards, the shelter is in a detached house with a playground for its youngest residents.

LTB said women leaving the shelter during its 16 months of operation had been supported to set up a new life in various ways, including help with accommodation, purchase of essential household goods, food supplies and health care. Their children had also been provided with education and training,

The shelter has also provided help, including legal and counselling services, health care, food and clothing, to a further 25 women and 13 children who could not be accommodated there.