Executive Summary
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most critical human rights and public health challenges globally. Survivors often face immediate safety risks, psychological trauma, economic instability, and social exclusion. Access to safe shelter and structured rehabilitation services is limited, especially for marginalized women and girls.
This three-year project proposes the establishment and strengthening of Safe Shelter and Rehabilitation Services to provide emergency accommodation, trauma-informed counseling, legal aid referral, healthcare access, livelihood support, and long-term reintegration assistance.
The project aims to support 3,000 survivors over three years by ensuring safety, recovery, and economic independence through a coordinated, survivor-centered approach.
Background and Context
According to UN Women and World Health Organization, one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Survivors often remain in abusive environments due to lack of safe housing and rehabilitation options.
Many communities lack:
- Confidential emergency shelter facilities
- Trained trauma counselors
- Reintegration pathways
- Coordinated referral systems
- Long-term rehabilitation support
Without structured shelter and recovery services, survivors remain at risk of repeated violence and chronic trauma.
Problem Statement
Survivors of GBV face:
- Immediate safety threats with no secure accommodation.
- Psychological trauma and mental health disorders.
- Financial dependence and homelessness risks.
- Weak coordination among legal, health, and social systems.
- Limited reintegration and livelihood opportunities.
Safe shelter is not just housing—it is a pathway to dignity, healing, and sustainable independence.
Project Description
The project will implement a comprehensive shelter and rehabilitation model with the following components:
- Emergency Safe Shelter Facilities
- Establish 3 fully equipped safe shelters
- 24/7 security and confidential access
- Temporary accommodation (3–6 months)
- Food, hygiene, clothing, and medical support
- Trauma-Informed Counseling and Psychosocial Support
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group counseling
- Child-friendly counseling spaces
- Mental health screening and referral
- Legal Aid and Case Management
- Legal documentation support
- Court accompaniment
- Protection order assistance
- Family mediation (where appropriate)
- Livelihood and Reintegration Services
- Community Awareness and Prevention
- Community dialogues
- Engagement with men and boys
- Awareness campaigns on GBV prevention
Goal
To provide safe, accessible, and comprehensive shelter and rehabilitation services that promote recovery, dignity, and long-term independence for survivors of gender-based violence.
Objectives
- Provide emergency shelter services to 3,000 survivors over three years.
- Deliver trauma-informed counseling to 90% of admitted survivors.
- Support 60% of beneficiaries with livelihood reintegration pathways.
- Reduce repeat violence among supported survivors by 40%.
- Strengthen referral systems among 40 partner institutions.
Project Activities
- Shelter infrastructure setup and staffing
- Intake assessment and safety planning
- Counseling and therapy sessions
- Legal referral and court support
- Vocational training partnerships
- Community prevention workshops
- Ongoing monitoring and evaluation
Expected Results
- Short-Term:
- Immediate safety for survivors
- Reduced emotional distress
- Increased access to legal protection
- Intermediate:
- Improved mental health recovery
- Economic reintegration
- Strengthened support networks
- Long-Term:
- Reduced GBV recurrence
- Enhanced social inclusion
- Strengthened institutional response systems
Timeline (36 Months)
- Year 1:
Infrastructure setup, recruitment, baseline assessment. - Year 2:
Full-scale service delivery and midline evaluation. - Year 3:
Sustainability planning, policy advocacy, endline evaluation.
Budget Narrative
- The estimated total budget for the three-year project is approximately USD X.Xmillion.
- Around XX% of the budget will be allocated to training development, facilitation, and certification processes. This includes capacity building for shelter staff, trauma-informed counseling certification, legal case management training, safeguarding compliance workshops, and rehabilitation skill-building programs for beneficiaries.
- Provision of equipment, digital tools, and outreach materials will account for approximately XX%. This includes shelter furniture, beds, kitchen facilities, security systems, counseling room equipment, case management software, communication systems, and community awareness materials.
- Supportive supervision and mentorship systems will require about XX% of the total budget. This ensures quality control through professional supervision of counselors, periodic mental health evaluations, case audits, and mentorship programs to prevent staff burnout and maintain service standards.
- Shelter staff stipends and incentive mechanisms will represent XX% of the budget. This covers salaries for counselors, social workers, shelter managers, security staff, case managers, and essential support personnel to ensure 24/7 service delivery.
- Community outreach expansion and engagement activities will account forX%. This includes awareness campaigns, community dialogues, prevention workshops, engagement with local leaders, and survivor advocacy initiatives.
- Monitoring and evaluation will require approximately X%. This includes baseline, midline, and endline assessments, external evaluations, data management systems, and reporting mechanisms.
- Project management and coordination will account for X%. This covers the Project Director, finance management, coordination meetings, partner engagement, and compliance reporting.
- Administrative and compliance costs will represent X%. This includes office operations, audit fees, insurance, legal compliance, and general administration.
Sustainability Plan
- Integration with government social welfare systems
- Partnership with local NGOs and legal aid providers
- Capacity building of community volunteers
- Advocacy for inclusion in national protection budgets
- Gradual cost-sharing with local institutions
Monitoring and Evaluation
The project will use a results-based monitoring system including:
- Shelter occupancy tracking
- Case resolution documentation
- Mental health recovery scales
- Reintegration outcome tracking
- Client satisfaction surveys
- Independent evaluation
Project Management Structure
- Project Director
- Shelter Managers
- Licensed Counselors
- Social Workers
- Legal Advisors
- M&E Officer
- Finance and Administrative Team
An advisory committee composed of women’s rights advocates and survivor representatives will provide oversight.
Conclusion
Safe shelter is a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence. However, shelter alone is insufficient without structured rehabilitation, mental health care, legal support, and economic reintegration.
This project offers a comprehensive and sustainable model to protect, heal, and empower survivors. By investing in Safe Shelter and Rehabilitation Services, stakeholders will contribute to breaking cycles of violence, restoring dignity, and strengthening community resilience.
