ABU DHABI // Art and exercise are used as therapy in a shelter in the capital for victims of human trafficking.
Ewa’a offers a safe haven for those who have been trafficked – particularly those who have been sexually exploited.
Apart from providing psychological and medical treatment, the shelter offers victims – most of whom are Asian – a routine filled with activities.
Maitha Al Mazrouei, corporate communications manager, explained why the activities were important.
“Once the victims arrive, they are usually traumatised; they don’t trust anyone, and have problems sleeping,” she said. “In order for them to feel safe, the shelter provides them with comfort to make them feel at home.”
The shelter also offers psychotherapy.
Ms Al Mazrouei, an Emirati, said rehabilitation came through activities such as sewing, cooking, language, computer training, drawing and poetry writing.
The psychologist at the shelter, Aida Nour, from Sudan, said victims were first taken through their daily schedules. Then they could choose activities they were interested in.
“From day one, we welcome the victims, show them their room and let them settle in. The following day, we introduce them to the staff at Ewa’a, the other victims and then show them around the shelter,” she said.
“Day three is when we explain to them the rules at Ewa’a and the schedule that they have to follow.”
The residents must keep their rooms clean and take part in group activities, such as exercising and cooking.
“One of their activities is cooking their own meals,” said Ms Nour. “We provide the ingredients and each victim has the freedom to cook whatever they like.
“We recommend the victims start their day with morning sports and swimming classes.”
A social worker tailors each resident’s schedule depending on their interests.
“Some like to draw, some like to sew,” said Ms Nour. “Handicrafts, drawing, crochet, computer and languages classes are also provided.”
The residents also take trips to parks and cultural locations, such as the Heritage Village and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
However, therapy is one of the most important steps in the rehabilitation process, said Ms Al Mazrouei.
“During the psychological treatment sessions, the victims all gather together in group therapy to help each other talk about their experiences. Group therapy is the most effective therapy that has been done.”
In rare cases, some of the residents undergo individual therapy.
“In certain severe conditions, such as depression, lack of appetite, a sleeping disorder, or hyperactivity, we refer them to a psychiatric specialist outside the shelter who can then prescribe medication to them,” said Ms Nour.
Ewa’a has four shelters across the country – two in the capital, one in Sharjah and one in Ras Al Khaimah. One of the shelters is solely for men.
Together, they can accommodate 150 residents.
Some stay for many months, others for a short time. They all have the option to return to their home country or to stay and start anew.
Ewa’a has sheltered 218 victims since it opened in 2009. Victims are usually referred by the police, embassies, places of worship, a telephone hotline or hospitals.
The average age of the victims ranges from 18 to 45, but they have even sheltered a five-year-old. Most come to the UAE for work but end up being exploited upon arrival.
The Ewa’a hotline is 800 7283.
ealdhaheri@thenational.ae
malshamsi@thenational.ae
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
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- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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The specs
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Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
