DFWAC hosts its first fundraising event

Funds raised during the event will be geared towards daily operations at the Foundation.

Domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking are great offenses against human dignity that shatters lives and robs children of their innocence. Through this fundraiser, DFWAC seeks and hopes to attain cooperation from the community in assisting the foundation in trying to end the suffering of women and children by offering educational and awareness programmes about these impending issues that threaten the social and moral fabric of the UAE society.

DFWAC is making effortful strides to contribute to alleviating violence against women and children in the UAE that include collecting statistics on the incidences and prevalence of violence against women and children in the UAE, providing support services to suffering women and children, and creating awareness about the phenomenon.

In her keynote speech, Afra Al Basti, CEO of DFWAC said:

"Global statistics of violence against women and children globally states that 50% of women worldwide are subject to violence, as estimated by the World Health Organization and UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Fund) and more than 300 million children are victims of child abuse and exploitation. Moreover, human trafficking is the fastest growing organized crime targeting women and children internationally. Unfortunately Dubai is not an exception."

She also added, "Your help is essential to end the plight of our sisters, friends, neighbors, peers, and children who bear the burden of violence. Your donations go directly to support projects aimed at offering more help to the victims residing at the Foundation."

During the fundraiser event, guests had the chance to participate in a silent auction; all proceeds would be donated to enhance the foundation's daily service offerings. They wore a green ribbon as a token of support for the women and children who suffer in silence, and those who have overcome adversity.

Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) is the first licensed nonprofit shelter in the UAE for women and children victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and trafficking. Victims receive immediate assistance, through 24-7 emergency safe shelter, medical care, case management, support groups, and recreational activities, in addition to the legal and financial services. Since its inauguration in 2007, the foundation has housed 133 victims, 106 cases of which were solved in addition to offering external assistance to hundreds of women who are not residing at the foundation. Through a culturally-relative human rights framework and in line with internationally recognized shelter standards, the Foundation takes best practices approach to delivering social services.