Casa Vida: helping victims deal with trauma and move on with their lives

The Coordinator of the Casa Vida, Domingas Soares, said the shelter’s priority work is to provide assistance to victims of sexual violence and to help them deal with the trauma caused by the abuse.

“We provide counselling and play games together. We also watch a lot of television on Saturdays and Sundays and we go to the beach. We have other activities such as computer courses, English course, baking courses, art classes so they can forget what happened to them,” said Coordinator Soares, last week (10/04) in Dili.

The Coordinator added the victims, young females, are referred to Casa Vida by PRADET after undertaking a forensic examination. Casa Vida provides ongoing support to the victims.

The victims of sexual violence that have been supported by Casa Vida are aged between three 18 years old.
Currently Casa Vida has four victims residing at their shelter.

Meantime the President of the Parliamentary Women Timor-Leste (GMPTL) Josefa Alvares Soares appreciates the work of Casa Vida and the support provided to children who are victims of sexual violence.

“I believe what Casa Vida does is commendable. Children who are victims of sexual abuse from their relatives or from others deserve to be protected. In our country when children are abused they are sidelined and not acknowledged. This is why I believe the work of Casa Vida is so important and humanitarian,” said GMPTL President MP Soares.