Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful announced a major program has been coordinated with the private sector to make available Punto Vida, or private and public spots where women in danger can find temporary refuge and assistance.
She says the program is in coordination with the Attorney General Office and the Ministry of Women. She says the program seeks to be a life jacket for women who have not found the necessary relief from the services offered by 911, prosecution offices or the police.
Ernesto Martinez, president of the national association of malls (ONEC), said that their establishments have joined the movement. President Luis Abinader announced that government entities would follow, motivated by the enthusiasm of the private sector for the program.
The intention is to close the breach of women at risk with a nationwide system set up to protect them. The new protocols call for the training of specialized staff in private spaces to broaden the safe spaces beyond prosecution offices and police stations.
Specialized staff is being trained in health institutions, tourism entities, and commercial places to guarantee the lives of persons at risk. The initiative will certify banks, malls, pharmacies, supermarkets where specially trained staff will be on duty.
Minister of Interior and Police said that the staff is prepared to protect and give first refuge to women at risk, giving time for the Police and Public Ministry to take charge.
The Punto Vida establishments will be identified with a logo safe port for these women from where they can connect to specialized government services.
The intention is for all government entities to join and certify themselves as Punto Vida.
Minister Faride Raful explained that the program was created in awareness that many deaths occur because the woman in danger finds she has nowhere to go to.
Raful explained during the 8 December 2025 presidential press conference that the focus of the Punto Vida points is to address the vulnerability of women and girls. But she said the service will be open to serve any person in danger.
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Presidency
Diario Libre
La Semanal 8 December 2025
9 December 2025