The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved plans to establish a national Safe Haven for women and children in need of care and protection, in what officials say is a significant step forward in strengthening social protection services.
The facility, to be led by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, will provide emergency shelter, trauma-informed care, counselling, family support programmes, and reintegration services for vulnerable groups.
Cabinet has also endorsed key partnerships to support both construction and long-term operations. Among them is a pledge of EC$350,000 from Team Island Girls, alongside support from an Alabama-based church group, which will contribute volunteer labour, furnishings, and development assistance.
The Government will provide EC$500,000 in capital funding to support land preparation, regulatory approvals, and initial works. This brings total start-up funding to EC$850,000.
The Safe Haven will operate under the joint oversight of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs, with a steering committee established to manage governance and service coordination.
Cabinet has also authorised the drafting of memoranda of understanding with partners and instructed the Attorney General’s Chambers to finalise the legal framework for implementation.
Officials say Phase One is expected to begin within two weeks, with site preparation and mobilisation of partners already underway. The initiative aims to close long-standing gaps in support services for survivors of abuse, neglect and other forms of vulnerability.
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