This brief highlights emerging evidence of the impact of COVID-19 crisis on the access of women victims and survivors of violence to justice and security services in Palestine. It makes recommendations to be considered by all sectors of society, from governments to international organizations and to civil society organizations, in order to ensure that perpetrators of violence against women are held accountable, and victims’ right to protection, remedy and reparation are maintained.

The need to establish a space, where women victims of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory feel safe and have access to specialized services led to the establishment of the Mehwar Centre in 2008. This report is a tribute to the brave women agents of change, while illustrating the achievements of the Centre between 2008 and 2012, as well as the diversified efforts and collaboration that exist among its key partners.

The Mehwar Centre opened its doors in February 2007 with the mission to address gender- based violence in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Since its opening, the centre has sheltered approximately 150 women and 40 children victims of violence.