There is currently no safe home in Labasa for women and vulnerable individuals to seek refuge, says Vu Care representative Amelia Simmons.
Ms Simmons said the need for such a facility was urgent and long overdue, especially after three women died at the hands of their partners this year.
“There is no safe home in Labasa for women and the vulnerable to go to seek refuge,” she said.
To address this, she said they had purchased land at Vunivau where the first safe home in the area would be built.
“The organisation has been running its own fundraising efforts to support the project,” Ms Simmons said.
She said a formal request for government assistance was made during the national budget consultations.
“I have made a submission during the national budget submissions and requested the Government to assist us in this.
“The home will not only provide refuge but also counselling services.”
Questions have been sent to Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.
