Blatant societal discrimination occurs only rarely. Neither society nor the Government is tolerant of violence against women, and the Government prosecutes persons accused of such. The Government funds organizations providing shelter, counseling, and hot lines. The main women's shelter in 1996 provided refuge to 189 women, many with their children, and responded to over 3,000 telephone calls. It is estimated that about 150 to 200 cases of sexual abuse occur per year.
Women enjoy the same property rights as men.
In the absence of a prenuptial agreement, property is divided equally upon dissolution of a marriage. The law mandates equal pay for equal work. To date there have been no work-related discrimination suits. The Ministry for the Promotion of Women has a mandate to encourage a climate of equal treatment and opportunity in fact as well as in law. The Government demonstrates a strong commitment to children's rights and welfare through its well-funded systems of public education and medical care, which are available equally to girls and boys.