Africa-Press – Mauritius. At a press conference held today, in Port Louis, the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron, announced that six out of 24 units of the Residence Bois Savon Elderly Care Centre, located in Sainte Croix, will be dedicated to house women who are victims of domestic violence.
This initiative is a joint endeavour with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare and coincides with the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, commemorated annually on 25 November.
Flanked by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, and other government officials, Mr Subron explained that the Residence Bois Savon is currently undergoing renovations, with an investment of Rs 8 million. The facility comprises 24 units, each featuring a kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, and living area, as well as green spaces and a pétanque court. The centre is currently home to three residents.
According to Minister Subron, once the renovation work is completed and the necessary clearance is obtained from the Ministry of National Infrastructure, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed to formalise and launch the project. On that score, he outlined the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
However, the Minister recalled out that while the provision of shelters is important, it is not a permanent solution to gender-based violence. Mr Subron reiterated Government’s commitment to continue fighting against domestic violence in all its forms.
For her part, Minister Navarre-Marie praised the initiative as a concrete step in improving the lives of women affected by domestic abuse. She highlighted the difficult choices many women face, often having to return to the perpetrators due to economic dependence. She expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity for providing this transitional step to assist aggrieved women, while also acknowledging the important work of non-governmental organisations that are currently offering shelter to survivors of gender-based violence.
The Minister termed the Residence Bois Savon as a safe space. The facility is located near the Abercrombie Police Station, ensuring a high level of security, while the Social Security Ministry has also employed security guards to monitor the compound. In addition, the centre is close to the Abercrombie Women Empowerment Centre, where women can attend courses aimed at enhancing their economic independence. The site also has sufficient space to accommodate additional prefabricated homes, further increasing capacity for future residents.
Furthermore, the Minister elaborated on the support systems being implemented for victims of domestic violence. They include the availability of the helpline for victims of violence, No. 130, and the 12 Family Support Services (FSS) centres across the island, which offer a one-stop shop for counselling, legal advice, and psychological support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other family-related issues. “The new Domestic Abuse Bill is under preparation with a view to offering increased protection for victims of violence,” said Mrs Navarre-Marie.
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