Spotlighting NGOs Working to Help Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash

by Ifeoluwa Ogunjobi

Victims and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) suffer devastating short- and long-term consequences to their physical and mental health. These Consequences may include severe physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies and exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the limited ability to complete daily tasks, suicidal thoughts among others.

To put an end to GBV, it is important that frontline  response and intervention facilities for victims, as well as safe spaces for survivors, are made available. This should be led by the government but in most scenarios, civil society organizations lead the charge on helping women. 

In commemoration of the #16DaysOfActivism against gender-based violence, here are ten organizations providing response, intervention and safe spaces to victims and Survivors of GBV. 

1. Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF):

Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) Centre is a fully equipped facility run by friendly, qualified staff who serve as first responders and efficiently determine the extent of services that will be required by each survivor,  in a warm, caring and safe  environment. The center serves as a safe haven where each survivor is helped in a step by step approach through the initial traumatic phase of their experience and the necessary follow-up visits. All services are free.

Hotline: 08092100009,  080072732255

2. Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER):

Stand to End Rape Initiative is a youth-led social enterprise commited to advocating against sexual violence, developing and providing prevention mechanisms, and supporting survivors with psychosocial services. They specialize in advocating for rape survivors by enlightening communities and the public on the need to end rape, stigmatization and victim-blaming.

Hotline: 08095967000

3. Sexual Offences Awareness & Victims Rehabilitation Initiative (SOAR):

SOAR is a non- profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the prevention of all forms of child sexual abuse as well as provide care and support for victims and survivors.  

Hotline: 08179080655 

4. ‘Tiwalola' Women against Rape Sexual Harassment and Exploitation (WARSHE):

WARSHE is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that provides human, material and emotional support for victims of rape, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation; assist victims of rape, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation to obtain justice; and educate girls and women on the subject of rape, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation.

Hotline: 08034078730

5. Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP):

WRAHP is an innovative non-governmental non-profit organization that is committed to  the promotion of reproductive health, rights and general development of women, young people and communities.

The Ireti Resource Centre is an Initiative of WRAHP, specially developed to  provide integrated legal and psychosocial support in a safe space for women, survivors of domestic violence, and other vulnerable persons across communities in Lagos State. 

Helpline: 07003333111, 07011948577

6. Partnership for Justice:

Partnership for Justice is a non-profit organization of professionals who share a commitment to equality, justice and globalization of human rights standards.

Partnership for Justice works at all levels to offer services to victims of human rights violations and create linkages for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.

Hotline: 08125152683 

7. Women Safe House Sustenance Initiative:

Women Safe House Sustenance Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating women and girls from all forms of gender based violence in Nigeria. Providing shelter, legal aid, healthcare and comprehensive services to women and girls of all ages who are survivors of rape, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage and sex trafficking. 

Hotline: 08112663348 

8. Project Alert:

The Support Services Programme of Project Alert renders practical support to female victims of violence and their families. Advocating for zero tolerance to all forms of violence against women/young girls; and providing practical support services to female victims of violence.

Hotline: 01-8209387 

9. International Federation for Women Lawyers in Nigeria (FIDA):

FIDA Nigeria is a non-profit, non-political, voluntary association of women called to the practice of law in Nigeria. FIDA Nigeria’s sole objective is to protect, promote and preserve the rights of women and children in Nigeria.

FIDA Nigeria is committed to providing  free legal representation for indigent women and children, advocacy and policy campaigns, education and training, mediation and counseling services, and publishing information resources. 

Hotline: 07088496115

10. Dorothy Njemanze Foundation:

Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) works to end sexual and gender based violence through direct support for survivors, we promote basic ethics and values in the society by encouraging social responsibility, orientation and reorientation, addressing abuse related issues with the aim of aiding healing and re-integrating victims; Inspiring attitudinal change thereby reducing incidences to the barest minimum.

Hotline: 07013333307

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Building and developing response mechanisms and victim/survivor oriented facilities are key to eradicating gender based violence across all States in Nigeria.

Do you know any other organization working to help survivors of violence? Share their information with us. Bookmark this blog and share with someone today.