ADM Supports New Domestic Violence Shelter in Vanuatu

Celebrations as construction begins on the Women's Safe House and Care Centre

In March 2015 Cyclone Pam, the most powerful cyclone ever to hit the Pacific, tore through Vanuatu. In the wake of this disaster, ADM gave $50,000 to Anglican Aid's Emergency Appeal (which equated to almost half of all funds donated). 

ADM is thrilled to see these funds now being used to construct the first domestic violence shelter in Santo, Vanuatu, in partnership with the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Diocese of Vanuatu. The Women's Safe House and Care Centre will provide a safe space for women fleeing domestic and family violence. Tragically, domestic violence is a significant issue for the women of Vanuatu, with 70% of women and girls in the Pacific experiencing rape or sexual violence in their lifetime.  

The women who are welcomed into the Women's Safe House and Care Centre will be loved and cared for by Sister Phyllis and her team, who also run the only domestic violence shelter in the Solomon Islands. Women will be provided with safe accommodation, counselling, appropriate health care and income-generating skills to provide for themselves and their families.  

Please join with us in praying for the construction of the centre, for those who will serve and work there, and for the women who will seek shelter there. 

To read more about the project, or to contribute to it financially, please visit Anglican Aid's website.