milestone in providing a transitional space for survivors of domestic violence, as the government continues to make progress in the implementation of its National Shelter Strategy. “We are certain that provision of this housing arrangement will be most useful for women and their children to start a chapter of hope. Transitional housing gives victims and survivors of violence the opportunity to regroup, assess current circumstances, create strategies for independence, and earning an income,” she said.
According to Joyce Hewitt, the executive director of Woman Inc., although the facility could accommodate 10 women and children, given the need to maintain physical distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this number has been brought down to five. “We were going to have 10 because we were going to do two to a room, but with COVID, we had to keep it singular until such time that that threat passes,” she said.
Speaking during the event, she also emphasised the significance of providing a place of solitude for women who need to escape their situations. “There are so many women who return to their abusive situations, only because she has nowhere to go. We’re hoping that this facility will be the first in many, whereby, women who need to escape for their lives and far too often their children, will have the opportunity to get away from the abusive situations and to be able to live in peace and to be able to be exposed to whatever kind of training we’re able to provide,” Hewitt said.
The facility is expected to be ready to start receiving residents as early as next week.
