Gender-based violence is an alarming issue in many countries around the world and is considered the most common human rights violation. Gender-based violence, especially violence against women and girls, occurs from the family to the workplace, school, public space in many different forms and the root cause is gender discrimination.
At the inauguration ceremony of the One-Stop Service Center to support victims of gender-based violence - Hoa Binh Sunshine House, which took place on January 9, Mr. Nguyen Van Toan - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoa Binh province - emphasized: "Hoa Binh Sunshine House was established with the goal of promoting gender equality, preventing and responding to gender-based violence, especially violence against women and girls in Hoa Binh province.
Through activities providing essential, comprehensive and integrated services to women and girls who are or are at risk of gender-based violence and domestic violence in accordance with international standards, including: Medical care, psychological support, counseling, social services, emergency shelter, police protection, legal and judicial services as well as referral services... to support people who are victims of gender-based violence to access comprehensive, essential and quality services".
Mr. Nguyen Van Toan said that to achieve this goal, not only appropriate policies and consensus in society are needed, but also unanimity and close cooperation between all levels and sectors and support from the international community.
From the perspective of the international organization supporting the construction of Anh Duong House, Mr. Matt Jackson - UNFPA Representative in Vietnam - shared: "Anh Duong House provides essential, comprehensive support to women and girls who have been or are at risk of gender-based violence and domestic violence.
These services include health care, psychosocial counseling, legal aid, social welfare, emergency shelter... all under one roof. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and service providers support non-discrimination and ensure that people are treated with respect and are not judged or stigmatized."
Mr. Matt Jackson affirmed that UNFPA has worked closely with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in ending gender-based violence and providing support to ensure that victims of violence are respected and their dignity is protected.
Up to now, the 5th Sunshine House launched with the support of the Australian Government through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has affirmed the commitments and joint efforts of agencies and organizations to eliminate violence against women and girls in particular and achieve gender equality in general, contributing to the implementation of the National Strategy on Gender Equality for the period 2021 - 2030, the Program on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence for the period 2021 - 2025 as well as the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence amended in 2022.
