Cabinet Approves National Safe Haven for Women and Children

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children in Need of Care and Protection, in what officials describe as a major advancement in the country’s response to child protection and gender-based violence.

The initiative, which will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, aims to create a dedicated trauma-informed facility designed to provide emergency shelter, therapeutic services, family strengthening programmes, and structured reintegration support for vulnerable women and children.

Cabinet also approved the formalization of strategic partnerships to support both the development and long-term operation of the facility.

One of the major commitments comes from Team Island Girls, which has pledged EC$350,000 toward construction and capital development after several years of fundraising efforts dedicated to the national project.

An Alabama-based church partnership is also expected to contribute volunteer labour, development assistance, furnishings, and community engagement support.

To bolster the initiative, Cabinet approved a Government capital investment of EC$500,000 to assist with land identification, site preparation, regulatory approvals, and initial construction works. Combined with private contributions, the project’s start-up funding now stands at EC$850,000.

The Safe Haven will function as an integrated national protection mechanism under the joint leadership of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs. A dedicated steering committee will oversee governance, accountability, and coordinated service delivery.

Cabinet further authorized the drafting and execution of Memoranda of Understanding with identified partners and instructed the Attorney General’s Chambers to provide the necessary legal support to ensure the timely rollout of the project.

Officials say Phase I activities are expected to begin within two weeks, allowing for the immediate mobilization of partner support and the advancement of site and operational preparations.

The initiative is intended to address what has long been viewed as a critical gap in Antigua and Barbuda’s social protection system, while strengthening national support mechanisms for women and children facing abuse, neglect, or other forms of vulnerability.