Dominica - A Place of Safety for Children at Risk Officially Opened it's Doors on Wednesday

A place of safety for children at risk was officially opened in Jimmit on Wednesday, 13th April, 2011. The over three million dollar facility dubbed “ Chances” will house about thirty children who have been victims of psychological, physical or sexual abuse for a maximum of six months.

Hon. Minister for Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs, Gloria Shillingford, sees the facility as a step closer to providing adequate and secure shelter for young people who suffer abuse.

“Over the years, the Welfare Division has had to craft strategies in response to the growing incidence of reported cases of child abuse in Dominica. But not only cases of sexual abuse, but also physical and psychological abuse and to a lesser extent, abandonment. The statistics on such cases is real cause for concern. The responsibility of finding secure places for these children once they were removed from the endangering environment has not been easy to discharge. This facility brings us a step closer in overcoming the difficulty encountered in providing a safe and secure home for these children at risk.” cont./

Courtesy of: Government Information Service (GIS)