A survey conducted by the Women Empowerment for Self Employment (WESELF) has revealed the observations and snapshot on the monitoring and supervision of the operation of safe homes for victims of rape, abandoned children, and domestic violence by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
According to the assessment, which was funded by the European Union and Irish Aid through Mercy Corp Liberia, safe homes in Sinoe County have been completely abandoned. The research briefing document titled “Project Overview, Key Findings, and Recommendations,” which was recently released by WE4SELF at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on the safe houses assessment study in Monrovia contained the key findings. Only 25% of service providers receive regular training and capacity building on livelihood as part of the safe home training capacity building programs, it was found. The results showed that just 50% of respondents offer no training at all, while 25% offer reading and numeracy instruction.
According to the research briefing document, “it was discovered from the analysis that just 50% of the safe homes have ever benefited from any humanitarian aid, while another 50% have only ever received humanitarian aid in the past.”
Regarding the availability of electricity, it was determined that the Liberia Electricity Corporation only supplies standby generators to safe households in the counties of Sinoe and Montserrado. It was determined that all of the safe homes in the counties of Montserrado and Sinoe require mosquito nets, a monthly supply of sanitary pads, clothing and footwear, food, and clean drinking water. The research paper also indicated that there were 53 survivors at the safe homes at the time of the assessment, including 43 females and ten males. The safe homes are all privately owned.
The research’s findings on primary healthcare at safe houses showed that just 25% of the safe homes have a nurse on staff and a plan in place with a local medical facility for emergencies, while three do not. According to the study, there were 38 safe homes handling a total of three primary cases throughout the assessment, with rape accounting for 60.5% of those, abandoned children for 38.8%, and domestic violence for 2.6%.
To enhance the services at the safe houses in the counties, the research paper has presented a five-point recommendation. The paper made the suggestion that in the future, it would be necessary to coordinate planning and logistical arrangements with the ministries and focal points of the targeted safe homes as this would facilitate getting in touch with the relevant parties who are available and would also increase participation.
The study claims that it is imperative to guarantee that all safe households are sufficiently informed about the data collection operations beforehand. Before the policy debate on the key conclusions from the assessment study, the document advised making additional efforts to contact local authorities. Additionally, it was suggested that the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection train and equip the employees of safe homes with the tools they need to spread awareness of sexual and gender-based violence.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
