Paulina Quintao – Alleged victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse are being forced to live for years at shelter homes as they await an outcome from Timor-Leste's lethargic justice system.

Casa Vida program co-ordinator Domingas Soares said although the shelter home's operational policy states residents could stay at the facility for a period of up to six months, in reality, some women had been at the centre for up to five years.

This made taking in more women needing emergency accommodation difficult, she said. "Currently we have no space to accept more victims," she said.

The centre, established in 2008, takes in female victims of physical and sexual abuse, particularly those who are the victims of incest. "The incest victims cannot go home because the process is slow. We won't kick them out so it's a big obstacle for us," she said.

Casa Vida was working to provide more space for underage victims of sexual abuse as well as others who had experienced domestic or sexual violence. About 75 women are currently residing at Casa Vida.

Women's Communication Forum (FOKUPERS) shelter co-ordinator Judit Ribeiro said some residents had been at the NGO's shelter home for years waiting for their cases to be tried.

"Some of the incest victims have been living here for three years because the court processes have failed because of things such as incomplete documents," she said. She urged the government to take action to fulfil its obligations to victims.

Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSS) national director for social reintegration Antonia Carmen da Cruz said it was difficult for incest victims to return to their families. She said MSS funded a shelter house, supported by development partners.

"We have a problem with the laws regarding our budget which stipulates that money should be sent via bank transfer. When we come across victims in need of emergency help, we're supposed to send them to open bank accounts," she said.

She said MSS was co-ordinating with referral networks such as child protection and women's support groups.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/news/12946-victims-face-long-wait-for-justice