Silver Spring, Maryland -- The Adventist Development and Relief Agency
(ADRA) has opened a shelter for victims of domestic violence in northern Mongolia.

The Family Information and Service Center (FISC), was established to protect victims from their assailants, and provide them with comprehensive legal and psychological aid. The center, located in the northern Mongolia province of Selenge, was completed in early April 2006.

The shelter project developed after the ADRA office in Mongolia conducted an anti-alcohol program in the region and noticed the prevalence of alcohol-induced abuse. "It became obvious to the ADRA team that there was a dire need to offer mothers and children a safe shelter," explains Llewellyn Juby, country director for ADRA Mongolia.

One of only four established domestic violence shelters in Mongolia, the center is operated and managed by the National Center Against Violence, a non-governmental organization in Mongolia that works to prevent violence against women and children.

The 20-bed center is the largest in Mongolia, and serves the entire Selenge province. The shelter can accommodate residents for up to three months, during which time they receive counseling, legal advice, food, shelter, clothing, and skills training that will prepare them to become financially independent.

The FISC celebrated its grand opening on April 10, with Mongolian heads of state and other dignitaries in attendance. Honored guests included Mr. S.
Bayartsogt, a member of the State Great Hural
(Parliament) of Mongolia; Ms. J. Altantsetseg, head of the National Center Against Violence; G. Irvine-Halliday, ADRA Mongolia's programs coordinator; officials from neighboring provinces and counties; and representatives from several other international non-governmental organizations, including the Peace Corps and World Vision.

ADRA International funded the project, in cooperation with the Mongolian government and the National Center Against Violence.

ADRA has operated in Mongolia since 1994, working primarily in the areas of education, health, food security, economic development, and emergency management.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious affiliation, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.