Casa Refugio is a shelter whose objective is to provide comprehensive care for adolescent victims of sexual violence with or without pregnancy or who have had a therapeutic abortion and require an adequate space, which is why institutionalization is assumed as a socio-protective measure.
The foster care is temporary, the resolution issued by the different Courts for Children and Adolescents is effective until the age of majority (18 years), during which time protection, security and comprehensive care is provided to adolescents and children living with their mothers, in order to contribute to their autonomy and the exercise of a dignified life free of violence.
Casa Refugio provided the beneficiaries with the opportunity and adequate spaces for a comprehensive intervention process to cover their basic needs, the completion of their school studies, technical training and job placement. It is in this space of security and comprehensive training, teenage girls and teenage mothers developed their life project, their autonomy and independence and assume their motherhood in a responsible and affective way if appropriate.
currently enrolled
are benefitting
are our beneficiaries
34% of girls and 23% of boys in Bolivia were sexually assaulted before turning 18.
43.9% of adolescent girls between 15 and 19 years of age in Bolivia were victims of physical violence, 11.1% were victims of sexual violence from their partner, and 48.7% were victims of emotional aggression.
The Arco Iris Foundation provides comprehensive support to adolescents who have become mothers through “Casa Refugio”. These adolescents have endured sexual violence, which has caused irreversible emotional and physical trauma. At “Casa Refugio”, they receive the necessary support for their personal development, maternal transit, security, and care. Our goal is to restore their rights and offer a dignified life free of violence.
To achieve this, we apply a model of care and intervention that focuses on individual mental health strengthening, creating positive affective bonds between mothers and their children. Our comprehensive life-skills training program aims to promote motherhood, autonomy, and independence. Through this, we equip them with the necessary tools to face their problems for personal growth.
Each child represents a new beginning and a personal love story. Despite the turmoil they have faced, they become “saviors” who symbolize the meaning of life: love conquers all.
WE BELIEVE
EVERY CHILD HAS RIGHT TO FEEL LOVED
