Overview

The immediate and often extreme level of risk for women fleeing various forms of violence makes safety and protection an essential priority for shelters. Creating safety and protection in this context involves designing and implementing strategies and services which prioritize women and girls’ security during their time at the shelter as well as for mid- to longer-term periods. Such strategies should ensure access to a safe physical space in an emergency, effective assistance during crises, and support to assess their risk and plan for their safety.