24 Jan 2018

French minister visits Tahiti shelter

9:57 am on 24 January 2018

The French overseas minister Annick Girardin has visited a shelter for abused women in Tahiti as part of her engagements during her five-day stay in French Polynesia.

Overseas Minister Annick Girardin

Overseas Minister Annick Girardin Photo: AFP

The women's refuge Pu o te Hau was opened almost 30 years ago and is still the only of its kind in Tahiti.

The minister reportedly spoke in private with each of the women living there to hear their concerns.

She acknowledged the additional challenge in a small island environment to provide security to victims.

Figures show that on average four women a day in French Polynesia report to police that they are being abused.