Duchess of Cornwall visits Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

HRH the Duchess of Cornwall paid a visit this afternoon to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, DFWAC, an organisation dedicated to providing protection for those suffering domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking.

She was received by Afra Al Basti, Director-General of DFWAC, Member of Federal National Council. While at the Foundation, HRH the Duchess of Cornwall was briefed on the efforts of the foundation to protect victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking. She also toured the child villa, where she met the victims of domestic violence and listened to their problems and future prospects.

Ms. Al Basti expressed her satisfaction at the visit of the Duchess, saying that it sheds light on victims of violence and encourages people to help them. She added that HRH the Duchess of Cornwall plays a pivotal role in women's empowerment and gender equality worldwide.

The UAE official said that the visit strengthens the friendship between the UAE and the UK as well as economic, cultural, social and political ties.

The Foundation was established in 2007 to offer immediate protection and support services for women and children in the UAE. It is the first licensed non-profit shelter in the UAE that is run specifically for the care of women and children, and its services are in complete accordance with international human rights obligations. In the first half of this year, the Foundation received 30 victims of child abuse.

Since 2009, HRH the Duchess of Cornwall has been active in Britain working to raise awareness of the issues facing those affected by sexual violence and domestic abuse.

She has also visited similar centres around the world, and last year said, "I will continue my work [on this issue] in the hope that it will help to shine a light on the violence hiding in the dark corners of our society