UNFPA Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Security, has created Emergency Waiting Areas (EWAs) in local police stations to make safe and confidential spaces for survivors of Gender-Based Violence to report incidents and get access to life-saving support services. Located within police stations, these spaces also offer immediate shelter and support, ensuring safety and dignity.

They also provide crucial services like mental health and counseling support. In case of an emergency, survivors are able to use these spaces in pilot seven districts, including Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Puttalam, Batticaloa, Colombo, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.