Shelter for domestic violence victims in Dubai

Dubai: Victims of domestic violence cases will be provided shelter, according to an agreement signed between Dubai Courts Department (DCD) and Dubai Women and Children Foundation on Monday.

Women and children who are victims of domestic violence cases that surface at Dubai Courts, will be provided support and shelter by the Dubai Women and Children Foundation (DWCF), said Afra Al Basti, DWCF's Executive Director.

"DCD is well known because it was established long before DWCF. Sharia Courts and Family Guidance and Reconciliation section at DCD usually handle domestic violence cases. According to yesterday's agreement, DCD will start referring victims of domestic violence cases to the Foundation to offer them shelter and render them assistance and support. Our role is to support victims of domestic violence cases who end up homeless and/or penniless," elaborated Afra.

Afra and Dr Ahmad Bin Hazim Al Suwaidi, DCD's General Director, inked the agreement which provides securing shelter to victims of domestic violence cases referred from courts to the Foundation, and especially cases which fall under the umbrella of law no 15, 2007, upon which DWCF was set up.

The 17-article agreement includes means of cooperation between the two parties in the administrative and educational fields where in DCD presents specialised lectures for researchers in various fields while the foundation takes part in the community awareness activities sponsored by Dubai Courts.

According to the accord, the Foundation also offers psychological consultations for women and children referred from Dubai Courts according to rules and regulations. The agreement is valid for one year and subject to renewal as per the agreement of both parties.

Dr Al Suwaidi said: "The agreement basically comes within the framework of the courts' keenness to establish integrated partnership with foundations cooperating with it in issues concerning joint community rights and duties imposed by the nature of their tasks.

"The accord takes into consideration many humanitarian aspects within a legal framework which is the responsibility of both parties. Achieving this agreement's targets would be a great service to the community."

Hotline

During the conference, DWCF's Executive Director, Afra Al Basti, highlighted that their hotline 8001111 was launched to help and receive complaints of victims of domestic violence and help resolve their issues.