about us

Safe House: A Beacon of Hope for Communities, Families, Women & Girls in Nigeria.

In the heart of Nigeria, where violence casts a shadow, Safe House stands tall. We are a sanctuary, a haven for communities, families, women, and girls facing unimaginable challenges.

Safe Shelter and Protection:

Our safe houses offer a secure haven with access to essential services, emotional support, and a chance to heal. (in-progress)

Psychosocial Support:

Heal from the inside out. Our team provides trauma-informed counselling and mental health services to help individuals reclaim their lives.

Empowerment Programs:

Reclaim your power. To build a brighter future, we offer life skills training, vocational development, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Legal Aid:

Seek justice. Our legal experts offer free legal services, representation, and support to navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. .

About Us

Safe House: A Beacon of Hope for Communities, Families, Women & Girls in Nigeria.

In the heart of Nigeria, where violence casts a shadow, Safe House stands tall. We are a sanctuary, a haven for communities, families, women, and girls facing unimaginable challenges. Fueled by a vision of a world free from violence, we offer hope, protection, and the power to rebuild lives. We are more than just a safe house; we are a force for change. Led by a team of passionate women, we champion a holistic approach. We provide:

Safe Shelter and Protection: Our safe houses offer a secure haven with access to essential services, emotional support, and a chance to heal. (in-progress)
Psychosocial Support: Heal from the inside out. Our team provides trauma-informed counselling and mental health services to help individuals reclaim their lives.
Empowerment Programs: Reclaim your power. To build a brighter future, we offer life skills training, vocational development, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Legal Aid: Seek justice. Our legal experts offer free legal services, representation, and support to navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.

Our Impact: Countless lives transformed. Safe House has empowered countless survivors to break free from the cycle of violence and rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

Our Mission: Building a brighter future, one life at a time.

Peacebuilding: Fostering stability and resilience in the aftermath of conflict.
Community Support: Empowering communities to drive positive change and build a culture of safety.
Advocacy: Raising awareness, challenging harmful norms, and influencing policy change.

Our Mission: Building a brighter future, one life at a time.

Peacebuilding: Fostering stability and resilience in the aftermath of conflict.

Community Support: Empowering communities to drive positive change and build a culture of safety.

Advocacy: Raising awareness, challenging harmful norms, and influencing policy change.

Join Us: Be the change you wish to see.

Support our research, advocate for policy change, or spread awareness in your community. Every action counts. Together, we can create a world where families are safe, women are empowered, and girls thrive.

Target Audience:

Survivors of violence and conflict
Vulnerable individuals and communities
Local and international NGOs
Government agencies and stakeholders
Donors and philanthropic organizations

Join our mission in various ways:

Supporting research efforts
Advocating for policy change
Spreading awareness
Volunteering
Donating

From Battered to Beacon: Safe House empowers survivors to hope.

Transform with power within

Silence Broken, Strength Awakened: Safe House, a sanctuary where healing begins. Focus on breaking the cycle and starting anew.

Justice Ignited, Communities Uplifted: Safe House, advocating for a future free from violence. Our emphasis is on both individual and societal change.

Shedding Darkness, Embracing Light: Safe House, where hope finds a home. Come with hope for safety and a brighter future.

Your voice is your strength. Safe House amplifies it. We help you find your voice.

Rebuild your life, brick by brick. Safe House walks beside you. We empower through support and guidance.

Our Aim and Objectives

Aim: Our aim is simple yet profound: to serve as a safe house for the battered, a sanctuary for hope for families, women and girls protection and empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.

Objectives:

Peacebuilding:
- Promote Post-Conflict Stability, Resilience, and Development: Through targeted interventions, we strive to rebuild families and communities, fostering stability and resilience in the aftermath of conflict.
- Contribute to Peacebuilding through Conflict Resolution and Management: By equipping individuals, families and communities with conflict resolution skills and strategies, we aim to mitigate tensions and promote sustainable peace.
Psychosocial/Victim Support:
- Promote Victim Support through Protection, Legal Assistance, and Human Rights: We advocate for victims, providing essential services such as legal aid, protection, and advocacy for human rights.
- Facilitate Healing and Resilience Building: Our holistic approach includes psychosocial support, mental health management, trauma healing, and resilience-building initiatives, enabling individuals to reclaim their lives and thrive.
Community Support:
- Create a Community of Support towards Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and Educational Attainment: Through targeted programs and initiatives, we empower communities to pursue economic opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and attain educational milestones.
- Empower Communities to Learn, Grow, and Lead: We believe in the power of community empowerment, nurturing individuals to become leaders in their own right, driving positive change and inspiring others to follow suit.

Core Pillars:

Hard-Hitting Research and Analysis: Safe House conducts in-depth research to uncover the root causes and dynamics of violence against vulnerable populations in Nigeria. Our research aims to understand the issue comprehensively, identify existing protections and service gaps, and inform evidence-based interventions.
Practical Tools and Recommendations: Based on our research findings, Safe House develops practical tools and recommendations for stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. We design these tools to enhance the capacity of frontline responders, improve service delivery, and empower survivors to access support and justice.
Strengthening Government Protections and Policies: Safe House actively engages with government bodies to advocate for stronger protections and policies for violence survivors. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based advocacy campaigns, we work to influence policy decisions, strengthen legal frameworks, and ensure adequate resources are allocated to address survivors' needs.
Advocacy, Awareness, and Social Change: Safe House is committed to raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of violence against vulnerable populations, especially women and girls in Nigeria. We strive to challenge social norms, combat Stigma, and mobilize support for policy reform and social change through targeted advocacy campaigns, public outreach initiatives, and media Engagement.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

In Nigeria, there is a pressing mental health crisis, especially among those who suffered exposure to perennial crises in the middle belt region and northern Nigeria. Many survivors, including women and children, are grappling with trauma and are in desperate need of support. Stigma and limited services continue to hinder many from seeking help. We are creating platforms to step up to assist, mainly focusing on women/girls, youths and children who face violence, abduction and sexual exploitation. We support survivors by providing counselling sessions to rebuild their lives and equip them with skills for a better future. We provide recreational and awareness activities to reduce the impact of trauma. We work with counsellors and link them to social work services to ensure continuous addressing of needs. We assist and aid clients in rebuilding their lives and equip them with skills for a better future. We offer recreational and education awareness to reduce Stigma, counselling and linking them to tailored social work services to support their needs holistically, fostering a supportive environment for connection to help and healing. Children, especially girls, are given attention through facilitated play sessions, promoting healthy development by training their parents and caregivers. While we primarily focus on women and girls, we recognize the importance of assisting vulnerable men and boys. To break the cycle of violence, we provide services to men and boys.

Education and Training

Safe House is dedicated to providing comprehensive training and education programs aimed at equipping individuals, communities, and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and respond to violence against vulnerable populations in Nigeria. Safe House recognizes the critical role of education and training in addressing the complex challenges of violence prevention and response. Our training and education initiatives empower individuals and organizations to become agents of change in their communities, fostering a culture of safety, respect, and support for all.

How we can help

Legal Aid

Legal Aid and Advocacy: Safe House provides free legal aid and advocacy services to survivors of human rights violations seeking justice and protection under the law. Our team of legal experts offers legal advice, representation, and assistance with navigating the legal system, including filing litigation, pursuing criminal charges against perpetrators, and accessing compensation and restitution.

Impact: Safe House's legal aid and protection services have made a significant impact on the lives of survivors of violence, especially women and children, by providing survivors with access to justice and comprehensive support. We have helped countless individuals break free from the cycle of violence, rebuild their lives, and reclaim their dignity and autonomy.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Awareness and Education:

Public Outreach through host workshops, webinars, and seminars on ADR methods like mediation and negotiation to empower individuals to resolve disputes peacefully.
To educate the public about ADR options and benefits.
Partner with Legal Aid Organizations: Collaborate to provide free or low-cost ADR services to communities and individuals.
Provide Resources: develop resources with information about ADR processes, benefits, and links to available resources.

Advocacy and Policy:

Policy Reform: Advocate for legislation that promotes ADR and incentivizes its use.
Court System Integration: Work with courts to encourage ADR referrals and streamline processes.
Public-private partnerships through collaborations with government, businesses, and NGOs to promote Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR).
Advocate for Legal Reforms: Support policies that promote ADR as a viable alternative to traditional litigation, especially in cases of domestic violence and abuse.

Direct Support and Services:

Mediation and Arbitration Services: Offer direct ADR services, particularly for simple, complex or high-stakes disputes.
Training and Certification: Provide training for mediators and arbitrators to ensure high-quality services.
Conflict Resolution Programs: Develop programs for schools, workplaces, and communities to prevent and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Facilitate Access: Connect victims and survivors with qualified ADR professionals, making these services affordable and accessible.
Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the benefits of ADR, including faster resolution, reduced stress, and greater control over the outcome.

Impact of ADR

Empowerment: ADR gives individuals a voice and agency in resolving their disputes.
Reduced Trauma: ADR can minimize legal proceedings' emotional and psychological toll, especially in sensitive cases.
Faster Resolution: ADR often leads to quicker settlements than traditional court processes.
Preserved Relationships: ADR can help maintain relationships, which is crucial in cases involving family or community members.
Reduced Court Backlogs: ADR can alleviate the burden on the justice system, freeing up resources for more severe cases.

Support House for Justice's contribution to a more just and equitable society. Conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives

Safe Girls Program

The Safe Girls Program is an innovative initiative designed to empower young girls to lead healthy lives, make informed decisions, and protect themselves from violence. Through virtual and in-person activities, workshops, training sessions, and parental Engagement, this program provides a supportive environment where girls in and out of school can develop essential life skills and build strong relationships with their families and communities.

The Program Objectives include empowering girls to lead healthy lives and make informed choices about their well-being. Equip girls with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from violence and exploitation—Foster strong, healthy relationships between girls, their families, and their communities. Raise awareness about safety and dignity issues among girls and their caregivers. Reduce the risk of girls experiencing violence and promote their overall well-being.

Impact and Outcomes: Participating in the Safe Girls Program, girls develop the confidence, skills, and support network needed to navigate challenges and stay safe. Through improved communication with their families and communities, girls are better equipped to recognize and respond to risks, ultimately reducing their vulnerability to violence and exploitation. The Safe Girls Program is committed to empowering girls to live with safety and dignity by providing a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of girls' lives.

Children Affected by Conflict/ Children in Conflict with the Law

We promote children's right to survive, as well as their education, protection, and participation. We understand that children, especially girls, are highly vulnerable to abuse and violence as a result of culture and tradition and worsen as a result of unending conflicts in their homes, schools and communities. We work to educate children, especially girls, on their rights and empower communities and families to support promoting the rights of girls and ensure that children have access to platforms that can ensure their protection, survival and also mental health services they need. We also provide litigation and alternative dispute resolution services to children in conflict with the law to ensure their protection, safety, and reintegration into their families and society.

Safe Shelters

Safe Shelter and Protection Services

Safe House provides safe shelter to ensure comprehensive protection services and legal aid to women and girls survivors of violence in Nigeria. Our goal is to ensure that women and girls survivors have access to the support and resources they need to heal, rebuild their lives, and seek justice. We plan to operate safe shelters and protection services for women and girls survivors of various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and exploitation. We plan to offer a holistic approach to survivor support, combining safe accommodation, trauma-informed care, legal assistance, and empowerment programs to meet the diverse needs of survivors.

Our Plans given funding:

Safe Shelter: Safe House operates safe shelters that provide temporary accommodation, security, and support to women and girls survivors of violence. Our shelters will offer a safe and confidential environment where survivors can access essential services, receive emotional support, and begin the healing process away from the threat of further harm.

Protection Services: offer a range of protection services to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors, including risk assessments, safety planning, and security measures. Our trained staff will work closely with survivors to identify risks, develop personalized safety plans, and connect them with appropriate resources and support networks.

Volunteer with us

Financial Support:

Donations: Making monetary donations to support the organization's programs and operations.
Sponsorships: Sponsoring specific programs or events.
Grants: Providing grants to fund specific projects or initiatives.
In-Kind Donations: Donating goods or services to support the organization's needs.

Direct Volunteer Work:

Community Outreach: Organizing and participating in community events, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
Program Implementation: Assisting with program development, planning, and execution.
Administrative Support: Helping with data entry, report writing, and grant applications.
Fundraising Events: Organizing and participating in fundraising events like galas, auctions, and charity runs.
Mentorship: Providing mentorship and guidance to beneficiaries or other volunteers.
Skill-Based Volunteering: Contributing your professional skills to the organization, such as legal advice, MHPSS, mentoring, expertise, etc.

Policy Advocacy:

Lobbying: Advocating for policies that support your cause at local, state, and national levels.
Campaigns: support public awareness through media campaigns and social media.
Collaborations: Partner with us to amplify impact.

Latest News and Updates (Here, you'll find inspiring stories of resilience, information on our ongoing projects, and ways you can get involved. Stay informed and join us in making a difference.) (for information captured in this section, there should be linked and accessed after a click to a different source) see sample website for more details.

Child Rights Law

Context

Nigeria, despite significant progress in child rights legislation, continues to grapple with child abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Children, especially vulnerable groups, face systemic challenges that hinder their development and well-being.

Definition

At Safe House, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to child victims of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. We offer a safe haven, counselling, legal aid, and rehabilitation services to empower survivors and promote their recovery.

Laws and Policies in Nigeria

Child Rights Act (2003): Guarantees the rights of Nigerian children, including protection from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015): Provides legal framework for addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of violence.
National Child Rights Implementation Committee (NCRIC): Oversees the implementation of child rights laws and policies.

What We Do

Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Lead advocacy and campaigns to advocate for policy reforms and more robust implementation of laws protecting children's rights in Nigeria.
Counselling Services: Offers psychological support and trauma counselling to help children heal.
Legal Aid: Provides legal representation and assistance to ensure justice for child victims.
Rehabilitation Programs: Implements tailored rehabilitation programs to address each child's specific needs.
Community Outreach and Awareness: Conduct campaigns to educate communities about child rights and protection.
Emergency Shelter: Provides immediate safe accommodation for children in crisis.