We started in 2008 as a specialized center that receives victims of human trafficking. By 2020, our mandate extended to include care, rehabilitation, and empowerment for all those who suffer violence and abuse.
Ewaa means ‘to shelter’ in Arabic. We came into being because of the generosity and compassion of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, whose moral and financial assistance continues to support our activities to date.
We are safety net for those in need, especially women and children. We provide psychological, rehabilitation, legal, and social assistance, and medical care through the Ewaa’s 360° Model of Care.
Since we started our humanitarian work, our shelters have provided every person eligible for sheltering with direct support and aftercare to ensure a life of dignity.
We work with relevant authorities to provide safe shelter to people who have experienced violence and abuse. The Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa handles each person’s case with respect and compassion in line with international human rights.
At Ewaa shelters, we attend to the person’s immediate need of safety and security and address aspects from medical to legal care.
People who have experienced violence can suffer from post-traumatic stress and several psychological conditions. Our integrated services work as one unit to heal and empower.
Our 360° Model of Care supports survivors of violence through various stages of their healing. Rehabilitation is a critical element in this process, helping them overcome their experiences and reintegrating into society. Our rehabilitation services include a range of educational, occupational, and recreational programs, covering embroidery, handicrafts, art, music, and learning languages. Our aftercare services ensure a person’s safety and wellbeing after completing the rehabilitation phase.
Specialized and private consultation rooms with licensed specialists.
Study rooms, activity rooms, outdoor play areas, and TV rooms.
A mini clinic equipped with the necessary medical tools, and a 24-hour nurse.
Wardens, social workers, and employees who can speak several languages are trained on protocols to deal with and help people living with violence.
Shelters are equipped with CCTVs and full-time security staff.
Staff work in shifts to ensure care and security protocols are adhered to.
Our shelters at the Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa are part of the UAE’s comprehensive and coordinated response. On our part, we receive direct requests as well through referrals from relevant authorities and local and international partners including the police, embassies, and other shelters.
The Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa has adopted art therapy as part of its rehabilitation programs. Under the supervision of trained artists, and volunteers, we help people who have experienced violence express themselves and facilitate their path to recovery. Art created by survivors has been curated and showcased by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and artists such as Jennifer Simon who tutored and guided art pieces for the Silent Voices’ exhibition.
The Abu Dhabi Center for Shelter and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa has supported victims of human trafficking since 2008, criminalized by the UAE Federal Law No. 51 of 2006. Our nation’s zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and upholding human rights drive us to continue on our path to help survivors lead a life of dignity.
Our shelters are a part of a network of government, semi-government, social, legal and health entities that work together to fight violence and abuse. Our partnerships with local and international bodies and our standards have ensured survivors of violence receive the best care.
We care for the survivors even after they leave the shelter, helping them start a new life.
From financial assistance to providing a home or facilitating voluntary repatriation, we believe our work concludes only after the person has reintegrated into society.
We coordinate with the concerned authorities in the survivor’s country or another country that could accept them to begin legal procedures for repatriation.
