The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of a 24-hour shelter for survivors of gender-based violence, to be created and managed through a public–NGO partnership with the organization Integrated Health Outreach (IHO).
The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, and is expected to provide round-the-clock support for victims of abuse.
According to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, the proposed facility will offer a safe space for survivors, along with a comprehensive range of support services. These include counseling, vocational training, and empowerment programmes designed to help individuals rebuild independence and self-sufficiency.
Merchant said the partnership model ensures that professional expertise from IHO complements government resources, creating a sustainable framework for long-term victim support. “The initiative is part of government’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable citizens,” he explained.
The new shelter adds to a growing network of social protection measures under review by the administration, which has pledged to expand mental health, family counseling, and community outreach services.
Officials say the facility is expected to operate in coordination with social services, health agencies, and law enforcement to ensure an integrated national response to gender-based violence.
