A reliable anchor point

The "Safe Address in the Community" model, implemented by women's unions at all levels in Can Tho City, has become a reliable support system for many women and children. The model contributes to preventing and combating domestic violence, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of women and children, and spreading the message of a safe, equal, and happy community.

The Women's Union of Tai Van commune is strengthening its efforts to promote gender equality; prevent and combat gender-based violence and domestic violence; and protect the legitimate rights and interests of women and children.

Upon arriving in Luong Tam commune, we heard many stories from the locals about Mr. Danh Muoi, the head of Hamlet 10. Mr. Muoi's house has been one of the exemplary "Safe Addresses in the Community" for many years.

Mr. Muoi shared: “Women often feel very worried and confused when they encounter family conflicts. We always coordinate closely with the Women's Union of the commune and the Women's Union of the hamlet to provide timely support when women face difficulties. I consider this a responsibility and a humane act, helping women find a temporary refuge, stabilize their spirits, and then work with the authorities to resolve the issue.” According to Mr. Muoi, most cases are intervened early when the conflicts are still minor. Thanks to the counseling, many couples understand and empathize with each other better, preserving their family happiness.

Currently, the Women's Union of Luong Tam commune, in coordination with the police and local authorities, manages 8 "Safe Addresses in the Community". Each address has an identification sign, a logbook for recording information, and an emergency contact phone number. Household heads receive training in counseling skills, first aid, maintaining confidentiality, and cooperating with functional forces when necessary.

In Tai Van commune, where over 80% of the population are Khmer ethnic minorities, the "Safe Address in the Community" model is maintained in all hamlets. Ms. Dao Thi Thanh Tuyen, a specialist in the Culture and Social Affairs Department, in charge of gender equality work in the commune, said: "The 'Safe Address in the Community' model is very practical. Through it, cases of domestic violence or conflicts are detected early and intervened in a timely manner; at the same time, it raises awareness of gender equality among the Khmer ethnic minority."

In reality, the "Safe Address in the Community" model not only helps reduce domestic violence and gender-based violence but also contributes to enhancing women's self-protection, confidence, and voice within the family and society. Based on initial results, the "Safe Address in the Community" model has been replicated in many communes and wards throughout Can Tho City. To date, the city has 145 "Safe Address in the Community" locations with over 720 participating members; simultaneously, it maintains 31 clubs and 254 domestic violence prevention and control groups at the grassroots level. Many localities are proactively combining the "Safe Address in the Community" model with promoting awareness through women's clubs on legal matters and child abuse prevention. A peaceful home... The Women's Union branches at all levels in the city have developed many new models, such as: socialized teams of female patrol officers, teams supporting women's safety skills in cyberspace, attracting thousands of members and citizens to participate.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, Vice President of the Can Tho City Women's Union, affirmed: “Each ‘Safe Address in the Community’ is an important link in the network protecting women and children. The City Women's Union will continue to strengthen and train skills for homeowners and model management boards, and integrate gender equality awareness into women's group activities to create a wider impact in the community. Through this, we contribute to preventing and combating domestic violence and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of women and children.”

Maintaining and promoting the effectiveness of the "Safe Address in the Community" model is also a concrete solution for implementing Project 8 "Implementing Gender Equality and Addressing Urgent Issues for Women and Children" under the National Target Program for Socio -Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Regions. The model has truly become integrated into daily life, contributing to changing mindsets and practices, raising awareness, and spreading the spirit of gender equality within each family and community.

Text and photos: CAO OANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/diem-tua-tin-cay-a194303.html