The beatings began soon after Zahra, now 22, was married off to a 75-year old man in exchange for a large bride price.
Sometimes community elders are asked to intervene or host the runaway, but this is only a very short-term solution.
The idea of a safe house is to provide emergency accommodation where women and girls at risk can access legal advice and healthcare. Mediation is also available.
Since then 12 safe houses have been built in Kabul, Herat, Kapisa and Nangarhar province and are currently hosting some 600 women.
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