The Importance of Shelters in Responding to Gender-Based Violence
Community Awareness and Education Material
Gender-based violence is a serious violation of human rights and a major public health and social issue. It affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds and can occur in homes, communities, institutions, and digital spaces. Violence causes physical harm, emotional trauma, social isolation, and long-term economic hardship. When violence occurs, shelters provide a critical lifeline for survivors.
What Are Shelters?
Shelters are safe and confidential spaces that provide temporary protection for survivors who face immediate risk or ongoing violence. They are designed to keep survivors safe from further harm while offering a supportive environment where recovery can begin. Shelters are not only places to stay; they are centers of care, protection, and empowerment.
By removing survivors from dangerous situations, shelters help prevent further violence and create the stability needed for survivors to consider their options and plan for the future.
Key Support Services Provided by Shelters
Safe and Secure Accommodation
Shelters provide secure housing where survivors can stay without fear of being found or harmed. This protection is essential for physical safety and emotional relief.
Psychosocial and Emotional Support
Violence often leaves deep emotional and psychological scars. Shelters provide counseling and emotional support through trained staff who help survivors process trauma, manage stress, and rebuild self-confidence.
Legal Information and Referral Services
Survivors are supported to understand their rights and available protection mechanisms. Shelters provide legal information and referrals to relevant institutions such as police, courts, and protection services, based on the survivor’s choice.
Medical Care and Health Referrals
Shelters facilitate access to medical services, including treatment for injuries and sexual and reproductive health care. Early medical support is essential for recovery and long-term well-being.
Reintegration and Empowerment Support
Shelters help survivors prepare for life after shelter care. This may include skills training, education support, livelihood opportunities, family mediation, or community reintegration. These services reduce dependency and support long-term safety.
Survivor-Centered and Confidential Approach
All shelter services follow a survivor-centered approach, meaning survivors are treated with respect and dignity at all times. Survivors decide what support they want and when. No action is taken without informed consent. Confidentiality is strictly maintained to protect survivors’ safety and privacy, which is essential for building trust.
The Role of the Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS)
The Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) plays a key role in strengthening shelter services across Ethiopia. ENWS brings together shelters to promote quality standards, ethical practices, and survivor-centered care. The network supports capacity building, coordination, and information sharing among shelters and partners.
ENWS also works closely with government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen referral systems and advocate for policies that protect survivors and prevent violence. Through awareness-raising and advocacy, ENWS contributes to changing harmful norms and improving national responses to gender-based violence.
The Role of Communities
Communities are essential partners in ending gender-based violence. Community members can help by:
- Rejecting violence in all its forms
- Supporting survivors with respect and without blame
- Sharing information about shelter and support services
- Promoting equality, respect, and non-violence
- Referring survivors to appropriate services when needed
A Shared Commitment to Safety and Dignity
Shelters, networks like ENWS, institutions, and communities all have a role to play in protecting survivors and preventing violence. By working together, it is possible to build safer, more supportive communities where everyone can live with dignity, security, and hope.
