Give

Gender-Based Violence inTimor-Leste

Gender-based violence and child abuse remain urgent human rights concerns in Timor-Leste. This page brings together official national statistics from UNFPA, UNICEF and The Asia Foundation with Casa Vida's 2025 frontline case data.

Read More on GBV in Timor-Leste
Casa Vida Frontline Data

Forms of Abuse Brought to Casa Vida (2025)

In 2025, Casa Vida provided safe shelter, therapeutic counselling and medical support to clients referred from across Timor-Leste. The chart shows the primary form of abuse recorded for clients receiving intensive care.

Casa Vida2025

Hover over a pie slice or list card to see the corresponding details

Sexual Violence

49%

Coerced or non-consensual sexual abuse requiring urgent forensic and medical care.

Babies Born at Casa Vida

24%

Maternal and neonatal care for young survivor mothers giving birth safely while in Casa Vida's care.

Incest

20%

Abuse within the family requiring long-term trauma recovery and safe kinship placement.

Psychological Violence

5%

Severe emotional abuse, coercion and threats of violence requiring therapeutic support.

Physical Violence

2%

Direct physical harm requiring immediate protection and safe shelter.

Integrated Protection Network

National GBV Referral Ecosystem

A coordinated five-step pathway connecting crisis response, social services, medical care, legal protection and safe recovery.

01

Police VPU

24/7 emergency response, initial safety assessment and secure transport for survivors.

02

MSSI Referral

The Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI) offers national case registration, guardianship oversight and referral to municipal social workers.

03

PRADET and HNGV Hospital

Urgent clinical examinations, forensic evidence, STI treatment and psychiatric care.

04

ALFeLa

Asisténsia Legál Feto no Labarik (ALFeLa) offers free court representation, support during police interviews and filing for protection orders.

05

Casa Vida Shelter

24/7 residential care, trauma counselling, life-skills training and safe family reintegration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about GBV support in Timor-Leste

Quick answers for survivors, families and community members looking for help.

What should I do if I or someone I know is experiencing gender-based violence?
In an emergency, contact the Police Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU), which provides 24/7 emergency response, initial safety assessment and secure transport for survivors. Casa Vida can also be reached directly for advice on safe next steps.
Where can survivors find safe shelter in Dili?
Casa Vida operates a 24/7 residential shelter in Dili providing safe accommodation, trauma counselling, medical support and life-skills training. Referrals come through the Police VPU, MSSI or directly to Casa Vida.
What services does Casa Vida provide to survivors of violence?
Casa Vida provides 24/7 residential care, therapeutic counselling, healthcare, education, life-skills training and safe family reintegration for women and children affected by gender-based violence.
How does the referral system work in Timor-Leste?
Casa Vida coordinates referrals across a national five-step pathway: Police VPU for emergency response, MSSI for case registration, hospitals (HNGV, PRADET) for clinical care, ALFeLa for legal aid and Casa Vida for shelter and recovery.
Is legal support available for survivors?
Yes. ALFeLa provides free court representation, support during police interviews and help filing for protection orders as part of the national referral pathway.
Official References and Reports

Explore Research and National Publications

Access the primary reports used on this page, including the Nabilan Study, the UNFPA GBV Dashboard and UNICEF child protection publications.