Abu Hassan inaugurates centre for abused women in Irbid

AMMAN — Dar Al Wifaq Al Osari branches have become important in light of the increasing violence against women and children, and the need to safeguard their social and economic rights, Social Development Minister Reem Abu Hassan said on Tuesday.

Attending a ceremony to inaugurate a branch of Dar Al Wifaq Al Osari in Irbid, some 80km north of Amman, Abu Hassan noted that the increasing demand on the facility called for establishing a new centre in the city and extending these services to other governorates and regions later.

A ministry statement quoted her as saying that national achievements in protecting women from violence were enhanced since issuing the first law to found care centres for women and family in 2005, which was followed by operating Dar Al Wifaq Al Osari in 2007 in Amman, until a national strategy to combat gender-based violence was launched in 2014.

Norway’s Ambassador to Jordan Sissel Breie said her country is aware of the burden Jordan is bearing as a result of hosting Syrian refugees and the pressure this places on social and humanitarian services, especially in combating gender-based violence.

She also expressed Norway's support for Jordan in this field by assisting the centre to offer the best services to victims of domestic abuse.

UNICEF Representative to Jordan Robert Jenkins noted that UN studies show a raise in gender-based violence cases, which requires cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders to counter it.

Dar Al Wifaq Director Hilana Hammad said the facility will receive 25 women and 12 children in the first phase. 

In the second phase, the centre can accommodate 50 women and 25 children regardless of their nationalities.