DNRS provides financial support to 259 victims of gender based violence

The National Directorate for Social Reinsertion (DNRS) through its Women’s Promotion and Protection Unit (UPPF) has provided financial assistance to 259 victims of gender based violence. This is towards meeting their basic expenses while they are going through the ordeal.
Of the 259 people receiving this financial support, 63 were assisted in 2010, 130 in 2012 and 66 during the first half of 2012.

“We don’t deal directly with the victims; instead we work through the shelters and refuges. In cases of emergency, we attend them directly always through the OPL in all thirteen Districts,” said Head of Women’s Protection Unit (UPF) Joana da Cunha (08/08) from her office in Bemori Dili.
The financial assistance ranges from US$50 to $500 and the money is used to help them deal with their situation or simply cover basic costs. We provide the money through the shelters,” said da Cunha.
Vulnerable families are also given a helping hand in obtaining medical treatment.

Member of Parliament (MP) Josefa Alvares Soares for the Women in Parliament Group said this is a positive initiative by the relevant ministries dealing with gender-based violence.
“I have noticed the MSS program is very straight forward in assisting victims of gender based violence either directly or through the refuges and shelters,” said MP Soares.