Centre de femmes battues et violences masculines (Ile Maurice)

On the 9th of October, at about ten o‚clock at night, someone threw five Molotov cocktails into the battered women‚s shelter at Moka. The Molotov cocktails went through the windows into the sitting room, the dining room, and one bedroom on the first floor. All, except one exploded. The one which did not explode landed in the playground. At that time there were nine women and nine children, seven of whom are under one and half year old, at the shelter.

Fortunately, (if this word can be used), the assistant social worker was at that time downstairs, filling out the registration form of a woman who had just arrived with a one year old child. So, she was able to quickly ring up the police and the fire services. Three windows, a baby cot, curtains, and carpets have been badly damaged.

Needless to tell you how scared and traumatized the women were. No one was hurt but a young 24 year-old woman fell ill and had to be sent to the hospital.
Since we started helping battered women and their children, we have been continuously harassed, threatened, and attacked. Research carried out in America has shown that domestic violence becomes worst when the woman leaves the violent partner. For example, the number of women being murdered by former husband and partner is greater after they have left the violent relationships. Violent men cannot accept the fact that the women upon whom they have had control dare leave them!

For us, it is a job, I would even say a mission and a political commitment, which is very risky and dangerous. All of us closely involved in the work of S.O.S. Femmes and the battered women whom we try to support and help are at risk.. This is a very painful and traumatizing experience.

We will nonetheless continue providing the help and assistance, we are giving to battered women and their children. In this moment of sorrow and despair, we also need the support of all our friends. With thanks.

Sisterly yours,

Rada Gungaloo (President and Legal Adviser)