DUBAI, UAE — A Dubai-based foundation has become the shelter for abused foreign women workers in the Emirates.
In its annual report, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has revealed, in 2018, they facilitated the distressed and abused women including those coming from the Philippines, who are either victims of violence and human trafficking.
The report revealed, the foundation has a team of counsellors who came to respond to their needs.
In a press conference Ghanima Al Bahri, Care and Rehabilitation Director at DFWAC confirmed that calls from Filipino expats were among their 5,508 clients last year.
Al Bahri said the cases they documented vary from physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
During the news conference was held at the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) 2019 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center on March 14, Al Bhari said of the total number of clients, 1,027 cases involved violence against women included expats of different nationalities, among them are Filipino women.
Out of the 1,027 cases, 30percent or over 308 were committed by employers.
However, she said, she cannot divulge specific numbers of cases involving Filipino women because the foundation cannot give specifics as a matter of policy.
Al Bahri said the abuses they documented vary from physical,sexual, verbal, financial and emotional abuse.
She called on victims to report to proper authorities and not to their colleagues or family members, so that the issue will be responded properly.
“We assure you that if you call the foundation, your call will be treated as highly confidential and 100 percent secured,” she added.
Al Bhari, thanked the Philippines Consulate through Consul Marianne Bringas, head of the Assistance for Nationals (ATN) section at the Philippine Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates for extending help and cooperation wth the foundation.
“We acknowledge our partnership with the Philippine consulate because they are doing a great job in helping their citizens and their families. We thank you,” Al Bahri told Bringas.
Al Bahri also stressed that the foundation plays an important role in combating human trafficking in the UAE and is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the embassies in the Emirates.
DFWAC’s annual reports are said to provide accurate data used by the UAE government in making policies and laws that are related to human rights, children’s rights and women’s rights. DFWAC is the first licensed non-profit shelter in the UAE for women and children victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. It was established in July 2007 to offer victims immediate protection and support services in accordance with international human rights laws. (Henri Abenis-Macahilo/NewsLine.ph)
