Key strategies

Ensure relevant laws and policies provide support for shelters and related services
Promote protocols and guidelines to support standardized implementation of policies
Secure adequate state funding for shelters and related services
Integrate practices that promote accessibility for all women, such as: ensuring facilities serve women of all ages and can accommodate girls if needed; sheltering women with children; reducing financial barriers, by providing free services and safe transportation; and creating infrastructure and policies which enable women living with disabilities, in humanitarian settings, undocumented or immigrant women, and those with mental health or substance issues to access services.
Provide specialized shelters for responding to domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, and harmful practices, such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation and “honour” crimes, among other forms of violence.
Develop innovative approaches to providing alternative accommodation in low-resource or isolated communities, such as volunteer safe homes, emergency safe spaces (including community facilities or hotels), and confidential private accommodation.
Explore the feasibility of sanctuary schemes to enable women to stay in their homes or rapid re-housing to offer women immediate stable and safe housing options.
Improve women’s safety and protection with measures such as: operating in a confidential location with support from security guards or police; conducting crisis intervention as needed on arrival and at any time; ensuring availability of a free 24-hour help line with trained counselors; and facilitating risk assessment and safety planning processes.
Empower women to regain control in their lives and achieve their goals through counseling, support groups and case planning.
Strengthen individual advocacy and system-wide coordinated community responses.
Assist women and girls to access economic opportunities and affordable housing.
Provide outreach services and awareness-raising in the community.