Saudi Arabia has special places called “Dar al-Reaya” or “care homes” for women. These are supposed to help and protect vulnerable women, but recent reports tell a different story. According to The Guardian, interviews with former inmates and activists over the past six months describe terrible conditions inside these shelters. Women say they were flogged (whipped) every week, forced to take religious lessons, and completely cut off from the outside world.

The report also says that many women tried to take their own lives or even died by suicide because of the harsh treatment. Some women are kept in these shelters for years and are not allowed to leave without a male guardian’s permission. These shelters, meant to offer care, are being called "hellish" by those who experienced them.

Saudi Activists Reveal Abuse

London-based Saudi activist Maryam Aldossari said that women are kept there until they agree to follow strict rules. Sarah Al-Yahia, who started a campaign to shut these places down, shared horrifying stories of strip searches, virginity tests, and being drugged against their will. She said women are treated like prisoners, called by numbers instead of names, lashed for small mistakes, and punished for things like not praying or talking to other women.

Sarah, who now lives in exile, said her father used the threat of Dar al-Reaya to control her, showing how many women are trapped between abuse at home and abuse in the shelter. Activists say these centres, which have existed since the 1960s, are tools for the Saudi government to control women, even though the country claims to support women’s rights, especially while trying to improve its global image, like by hosting big events such as the FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Human rights group ALQST says these shelters are used to force women to follow gender rules. Their campaign officer, Nadyeen Abdulaziz, has called on the Saudi government to close these shelters and replace them with real safe spaces that help and protect women instead of punishing them.

Saudi govt’s response

The Saudi government has responded to the claims, saying that these are special care centres meant to support vulnerable women, not punish them. A government spokesperson denied all accusations of abuse, forced confinement, or mistreatment.The official said, "These are not detention centres, and women can leave at any time without needing permission from a male guardian or family member." They also added that the government takes any reports of abuse seriously and investigates them properly.