A New Shelter For Domestic Abuse Victims Opens in Giza

On Tuesday, the Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity opened a new centre for domestic abuse victims in Giza. The facility is meant to host and mentor women who have been subjected to violence and physical assault. 

The new centre is one of eight centres located across the country, including in Qalyubiya, Alexandria, Cairo, Beni Suef, Daqahlia, Minya and Fayoum. According to a statement from the ministry, these centres aim to enhance the cohesion of Egyptian families, combat misogyny and reintegrate victims back into society successfully. 

Resources and aid offered by the centres include food, clothing, physical and psychological recovery services, health and counselling services, as well as legal assistance. Economic empowerment is another core factor the centres focus on through skills development programmes. 
The centres are a part of a larger campaign aimed to combat violence against women, which began on November 25th and ended on Tuesday with the opening of the Giza facility. 

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine Kabbaj, UN Women Deputy Country Representative Gielan Elmessiri, the USAID Deputy Mission Director Rebecca Latorraca, and the president of the National Council for Women Maya Morsy. 

The ministry revealed that an awareness programme would launch soon in order to protect the women affiliated with the centres after they’ve left. Considering the heavy stigmas associated with victims of physical violence, these centres will provide much-needed shelter for those looking to end the cycle of abuse.