The Role of Safe Housing in Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence in Iran

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of domestic violence, Iran has not ratified CEDAW due to Islamic considerations, and domestic violence is not a crime under Iranian laws. However, several safe houses have been established in Iran to protect the survivors of domestic violence. The fundamental role of safe houses in the protection of women by presenting long and short-term support has been less under the spotlight of legal scholars in Iran. This study aims to examine a newly updated and modern legal solution to protect the victims of domestic violence in Iran, the Safe Housing Guideline. By considering the general rules and principles of domestic violence law, the study intends to identify the legal gaps in the existing guideline and propose some policy proposals to improve the quality of services provided by the domestic violence shelters to the survivors of domestic violence. Hence, this study highlights the importance of safe houses in protecting and supporting survivors of domestic violence in Iran. Addressing the issue of domestic violence against women is crucial to promoting gender equality and empowerment and ensuring that survivors of domestic violence receive the support and protection they need is an important step in this direction. The proposed policy recommendations can contribute to the improvement of the quality of services provided by domestic violence shelters in Iran, promoting gender security and ensuring the safety and well-being of women.