There are 18 temporary safe shelters in 18 provinces of the country to house and support victims of domestic violence and abuse, and runaway girls. “The last shelter was opened in North Khorasan Province in January,” said Habibollah Masoudi Farid, deputy of social affairs at the State Welfare Organization, ISNA reported. Currently, there are four safe shelters in the northern, southern, eastern and central parts of the capital Tehran, and each has a capacity to house 30 women. “Those who are in need of help can call 1480 if they want to take refuge.” Women admitted to the shelters are tested for HIV and hepatitis as well as drug addiction. They should be free from these conditions to be admitted. The official added that about 7% of calls made to the Social Emergency Centers are related to spouse abuse.
