Overall, assistance for victims of violence, hotlines, shelters and counselling services remains very limited in MENA countries. More shelters are needed to ensure that all victims throughout the country can access immediate protection. According to recommendations of the Council of Europe, all countries should provide one place in a shelter per 7 500 residents, this coverage is not achieved by the existing geographical distribution of shelters (Council of Europe, 2007: 18). There is also a need for greater provision of free legal aid and advice services for victims of violence.