In a country where domestic violence is a historical social norm, having a safe house where victims of violence can seek refuge, counselling and support is crucial. Women and children often desperately need to find protection, medical care, and a safe bed for the night along with advice and referrals to community support.
In 2022 ChildFund developed Seif Ples (Safe Place) in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Police to strengthen child protection and violence against women. With a telephone helpline and safe house to respond and support victims experiencing violence.
Frontline staff and caseworkers received training in child protection and safeguarding, and have created a referral system to Seif Ples for local community partners. ChildFund also increased community awareness of Seif Ples and funded prevention training. Because of the scale of violence in the Solomon Islands, this work is critical and ongoing – over the next 5 years ChildFund will:
- expand the reach of Seif Ples into provinces, including the extremely remote Temotu Province.
- Build local capability with training in trauma care, child safeguarding and gender-based violence.
- Support Seif Ples in co-operation with government ministries and the national “Ending Violence Against Women and Children” taskforce.
