Venidora Oliveira – PRADET said it plans to build more women's shelters in Baucau municipality in 2016 to assist victims of domestic violence.

Executive Director of the Psychosocial Recovery and Development in East Timor (PRADET) organization, Manuel dos Santos, said Baucau Referral Hospital (BRH) would provide some land to establish the shelters, which will accommodate women from Baucau, Lospalos and Viqueque.

"It is to treat the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse against the children as they really do need a proper and peaceful place," said Santos in Dili.

PRADET established shelters in Dili and Oecusse in 2002 followed by Suai and Maliana in 2013. The proposed budget for the project is $90, 900 and will be provided by the Japanese government, he said.

Health ministry representative Isabelita Leto Mau said the establishment of shelters was important to assist and treat the victims of domestic violence.

BRH had so far provided one maternity room to PRADET to conduct initial consultations with victims. However, she said this was not ideal as victims had questioned its suitability.

Since 2010, PRADET has also provided medical forensic training to seven health personnel.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/news/13608-pradet-to-build-more-women-s-shelters-in-baucau