Dubai: The Women and Children's Foundation (WCF) - set up in Dubai a few months ago to protect and support abused women and children in the UAE - already has its hands full.

The WCF is the only organisation in the country working with specialised people to offer legal, moral and other support. The organisation is open to all women and children - including Emiratis and expatriates - and has received 65 cases in just two months.

The Foundation was established in July under a decree issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Gulf News spoke to Afra Al Basti, Chief Executive Officer of the WCF, and talked about the role it is going to play in protecting the rights of women and children.

Al Basti oversees the functions of the foundation, which include providing women and children with professional legal counsel, shelter and care. A specialised work group will also be appointed to monitor their psychological health.

One of the foundation's objectives is to provide a refuge for women and children afflicted by poverty, abuse, and difficult or life threatening situations.