“Shelter” for abused women

Domestic violence is always the main factor affecting family happiness and causing many consequences for society. The Women's Union of Phuc Khanh commune, Yen Lap district, has implemented a "shelter" model to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

"Shelter" is a trusted address for the community of Phuc Khanh commune.

Phuc Khanh Commune has 14 ethnic groups living together, of which the Muong ethnic group accounts for more than 87%. Due to its low starting point and being an area with a large number of ethnic minorities, limited education level, and backward customs, people's lives face many difficulties. Gender inequality and domestic violence often occurred before the establishment of the "Shelter" model. In 2023, the "Shelter" model was established with 10 members in the Management Board. The members are civil servants specializing in the judiciary, health, the Fatherland Front, and socio-political organizations. The Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee is the Head of the Board, the Deputy Chief of the Commune Police is the Deputy Head of the Board, and the Chairwoman of the Commune Women's Union is the Standing Deputy Head of the Board.

Commune Women's Union officials promote gender equality among members' families

The “shelter” was built from local budget sources, located at the Commune Police headquarters. The house has a dining room and bedroom for vulnerable people who are victims of violence and unequal treatment to stay. Essential equipment and supplies such as cabinets, beds, mats, blankets, and medicine from the budget for Project 8 of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas for the 2021-2030 period supported by the Executive Board of Project 8 of Yen Lap District... ensure the living conditions of victims when they come to the shelter.

Deploying communication content on gender equality in branches

Most domestic violence cases occur when both parties lose control of their anger. Some cases are caused by patriarchal men who are dissatisfied with their lives and take action to “teach” their wives. The Commune Women’s Union has repeatedly visited the victims’ homes to mediate, disseminate the law, and advise both parties to review their behavior in family life.

Since the establishment of the model, the number of cases of domestic violence, gender inequality, and abuse of women and children in the area has decreased. From 2023 to August 2024, there were 3 cases of domestic violence, 2 of which were mild. The Commune Women's Union has coordinated with the commune police and the mediation team in the residential area to promote mediation, with a commitment letter from the husband.

Along with the establishment of the model, the Commune Women's Union has promoted coordination of propaganda on the loudspeaker system, residential area meetings, association and mass organization activities. The main communication contents are on preventing domestic violence, gender-based violence, preventing abuse of women and children, marriage and family law, etc.

Communication on gender equality in Phuc Khanh commune

Ms. Dinh Thi Hieu - President of the Women's Union of Phuc Khanh commune said: "When it first started operating, the most difficult thing was that many women still "hid the story" when they were abused. Women did not dare to "call for help" from the "Shelter" for fear of affecting their families, children, and public opinion ridiculing them "who is ashamed of an ugly man". Many women were abused many times but still silently endured without reporting to the area or commune until the incident became serious and then asked the authorities to intervene. Through the communication sessions, women have a better understanding of their rights. At the same time, men also have a better understanding of their responsibilities to their families, actions that violate the law on marriage and family, and violations of the law. Currently, many men have participated in communication sessions on gender equality".

In order for the “Shelter” model to be implemented more effectively, it is necessary to carry out propaganda work well and involve each family, school, authorities at all levels, sectors, and local organizations when detecting family conflicts early to have timely measures to prevent, advise, and reconcile right from the grassroots. Through the “Shelter” model, it will help to positively change awareness of gender equality, prevent violence against women and children, attract the participation of many people, as well as contribute to reducing domestic violence and moving towards building a healthy and safe living environment.

An Khe

Source: https://baophutho.vn/nha-tam-lanh-cho-phu-nu-bi-bao-hanh-223673.htm