(VOVWORLD) - The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women in Vietnam has donated 65,000 USD worth of equipment, to upgrade the hotline and three houses in Ha Noi and Can Tho which shelter victims of gender-based violence.
 UN Women donates essential supplies to the Peace House Shelter project. (Photo: UN Women) |
The aid will help Vietnam improve its emergency response to domestic violence, which is reportedly on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2007, the hotline and Peace House shelters have assisted 9,000 victims. 1,400 women and 560 children have taken shelter there. During the coronavirus pandemic last year, the number of violence victims seeking help via the hotline (1900969680) and the Peace House’s social network account grew seven fold.
Duong Ngoc Linh, Director of the Center for Women and Development, which runs the Peace House Shelter project, said, “There are so many vulnerable women out there who need help but have yet to access our direct support at Peace House shelters. Therefore, our hotline is available around the clock to accommodate women experiencing mental problems or being trafficked or violently bullied. That way, we can help more victims, not just those who come to the shelters.”