KATHMANDU: Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) is going to establish ‘Safe Houses’ in 15 districts to shelter victims of domestic violence for the first time in Nepal.

Last year, the ministry set up three safe houses for the trafficked women in Kathmandu, Kavre and Kailali districts. Plans were afoot to set up four more houses in Rupendehi, Jhapa, Bara

and Parsa as well this fiscal year.

Talking to The Himalayan Times today, Komal Dhamala, section officer, Women Development Section, MoWCSW, said the houses would rehabilitate victims of domestic violence. The move is a part of materialising the recently passed Domestic Violence and Punishment Act 2065.

Panchthar, Sunsari, Solukhumbu, Saptari, Sarlahi, Makawanpur, Nawalparasi, Tanahu, Kavre, Baglung, Jumla, Dang, Bardiya, Doti and Kanchanpur are the districts chosen for establishing the houses, said Dhamala.

“The government has allocated Rs 800,000 for mountain districts, Rs 1.2 million for the hilly region and Rs 1.6 million for Tarai districts this fiscal year for the purpose.”

Dhamala said the ministry would set up a house each in all 75 districts in 2010 to celebrate the Year Against Domestic Violence.

Jaya Lal Tiwari, director, Women Development Department under MoWCSW, said they were going to work with women’s organisations registered as a cooperative.

“We will soon solicit proposals from organisations and cooperatives concerned and award capable ones a contract,” he said. At least one house will be established in each selected district.