A Shelter For Abused Women And Children In The Making

The Ladysmith Child Welfare is at hard at work to establish the first shelter for victims of domestic violence. Abused women and children will soon have a safe haven to shelter them from violence in the community if the welfare agency succeeds with its new project.

"This will be the first shelter in Ladysmith that will cater for victims," said Programme Manager, Miss Riga.

"The shelter was donated to the child welfare to provide a safe and healing environment for victims of abuse.

"The incidence of domestic violence is on the increase and battered women need not only emotional support, but tangible assistance on an emergency basis," she said.

There is no shelter in Ladysmith or surrounding areas. The Crisis Centre at the local hospital does not provided accommodation for the victims."The shelter will not only provide shelter and safety, but will be providing legal advice on what to do, emotional support, empowerment program and training and placement for mothers and children and anyone who should come to the shelter for help."

The Ladysmith Child Welfare is receiving community support to get the project off the ground, according to Mr Smith, "We have had help to renovate the premises and have arranged safety and security and we are installing plumbing and other systems to make this place a haven for all."

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