Safe House Commission

Family violence can take many forms such as denial of the right to education, physical and sexual abuse, forced marriage and child marriage.

Violence in the family sphere is traditionally perceived as a purely private issue and women and girls who experience violence are often unable or afraid to report the problem to the authorities. If they leave their family environment they risk criminal charges, incarceration, and stigmatisation from the community

Why a safe house?

The safe house is a place where victims of family violence who are not safe in their family environment can find shelter and support, as a measure of last resort. Trained community workers provide continuous counseling to all safe house residents, locate relatives and facilitate family mediation whenever the victim is ready. At the safe house, women can get support in full confidence and reflect on life decisions without pressure or stigmatization.

Mediation approach

CCA takes a mediation approach to cases of family violence. This means that dialogue is facilitated over weeks and months between the victim, the victim’s family, any relevant State authorities and community or religious leaders. Mediation aims at reconciliation and at allowing the victim to return to normal life safely. Women and girls in Afghanistan cannot live outside a family structure. Options vary depending on the case (going back to the husband‘s house; going back to birth family‘s house; separating and remarrying a different person). The ultimate decision rests, however, with the victim herself.