Domestic violence is on the rise especially in developing nations like Nigeria. Research has shown that the majority of victims of domestic violence happen to be women and children.
The Covid 19 pandemic gave a very strong eye-opener on the realities of domestic violence in major Nigerian cities. When most people talk about domestic violence they only talk about physical abuses and other offenses that may cause injury, however, the 21st-century realities have shown that domestic violence is far beyond just physical violence.
Domestic violence manifests in many forms such as physical, sexual, emotional, and mental. In the past women were the major victims of domestic violence, however, recent statistics have shown that men also suffer from domestic abuse at home.
In Nigeria, 1 in 3 women is said to suffer from one form of domestic violence during their lifetime. Popular forms of this violence include rape, assault, murder, battery, and blackmail.
However, sexually related violence happens to be the most prominent form of domestic violence faced by most women. The sad fact about domestic violence in Nigeria is that only 25 % of domestic violence get reported to law enforcement agencies.
Due to these disturbing trends, several NGOs have come up to give legal support and care to victims of domestic violence. Since most victims of domestic violence may not have the willingness or resources to pursue justice, these Non-Governmental Organizations stand in for them.
The following are the top domestic violence NGOs in Nigeria, including information on how to reach them.
Cleen Foundation
The Cleen Foundation is one of the most popular foundations in Nigeria. There works and research in the area of domestic violence has served as an eye-opener to many people about the rise in the cases of domestic violence across the nation. With its headquarters in Abuja, and branches in Edo, Lagos, and Ibadan, the Cleen foundation is surely one of the champions of women and children’s rights in Nigeria.
Address: 26, Bamenda Crescent, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone number: +234-7067899368
Website: www.cleen.org
ACTS Generation
ACTS is one of Nigeria’s few NGOs that is fully devoted to fighting against domestic violence and abuse in Nigeria. Apart from domestic violence issues, this foundation is also engaged in support for those with mental-related issues.
Website: www.actsgeneration.org
Phone: 08033951460
Email: actsgeneration2007@gmail.com
Crime Victims Foundation Nigeria (CRIVIFON)
This is an NGO that was formed by well-meaning individuals to support victims of domestic violence to fight for justice. They are also engaged in other gender-related issues.
Phone Number: 08050314317
Email addresses: gloriaegbuji2003@yahoo.co.uk; unobesarah@gmail.com; stephensarah82@yahoo.com
Rayuwa Sexual Assault Referral Centre
This is one of the most popular sexual assault referral centers in Northcentral Nigeria. located in a city that has witnessed a wide range of sexually related crimes in the past. The Rayuwa Sexual Assault Referral Centre is doing excellently in protecting the right of women and children.
Address: Behind Police Clinic, Minna, Niger State.
BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights
The BAOBAB Women’s Human Rights is a popular women and children advocacy group located in Nigeria’s center of commerce, Lagos. You can contact them to report issues that pertain to domestic violence, gender-based assaults, and other gender-related issues.
Website: http://www.baobabwomen.org
Office Address: Agbonyi Road, Lagoon Estate, Lagos, Nigeria.
Phone: 08023330981; 014747931; 018980834.
Email: baobabwomen@yahoo.com
Centre for the Protection of the Abused (CEPA)
The Centre for the Protection of the Abused (CEPA) is a gender-based Non-Governmental Organization with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. The NGO is engaged in gender-based advocacy as well as the fight against gender-based violence.
Address: Flat 1, 6 Kunmi Adebiyi Close, Okota, Lagos.
Phone: 08039570653
Project Alert on Violence Against Women
This is the last on our list of the top 7 domestic violence NGOs in Nigeria. the Project Alert on Violence Against Women is a project aimed at reporting and escalating justice delivery through strong legal representations in matters that concern violence against women in Nigeria.
Website: http://www.projectalertnig.org/
Office address: 21 Akinsanya Street, Off Isheri Road, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos.
Phone number: 08180091072
Email: projectalert@projectalertnig.org
Conclusion
Violence against women and children is increasing at an alarming rate daily. A developing country like Nigeria has not paid adequate attention to the issue of domestic violence as well as gender-based violence, this lack of concern by the government has emboldened sexual predators.
The good news however is that several individuals and organizations are sacrificing their time and resources to see that victims of domestic violence are supported and taken away from their abusers. While there are hundreds of other foundations that are also doing well in this issue, the 7 NGOs listed above have distinguished themselves.
References
Author
Abbey Johnson has a Masters degree as an engineer and has over 3 years of teaching and research experience. He is happiest when on a bike and is also interested in electric energy and computer Science.